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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENF'VLO'^Y <~6i LECTION
'
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,,, i i i! (.hum I , I'ljr.l i' I ;l:l7l'
3 1833 01205 2228
The Historical Record
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO
^fec iSarl^ Tbistory? of TO^ominp IDalleig
AND CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY
WITH
NOTES AND QUERIES
Biographical, Antiquarian, Genealogical
O
EDITED BY F. C. JOHNSON, M. D.
Vol. i — September 1886 to August 1887
W1LKES-BARRE, PA.
press of tfbe wmus*mvvc Kecord
MDCCCLXXXVII
1702599
INDEX,
A Brave Frontier Ranger 125
Aboriginal Stone Implements -15
Academy, Old, Appeal for, by Dr. T. W.
Minor" 01
Reminiscences of C. E. Lathrop 39
Text Books of ::l
Adams, Miss M. A. dead 137
Adieu to Wyoming, An Old Poem 150
Alexander, Silas dead 106
Algonquins Cannibals S6
Allentown (Fort Allen) in ] 7 50 110
Anthony. Richard dead 1S7
Apple Tree, an Historic 29
April Snow Storms 127
A qua in Indian Names 155
A Relic of Pioneer Pays 1 96
Atherton. Mrs. S. E. dead 75
Autograph Letter of Washington 122
Bassett Family Reunion .... 23
Barnum Charles T. dead 79
Bartlett, 0. D. dead 92
Beaumont, Andrew War Song by 32
Beaver James A. Governor. Sketch of. . . . 53
Boebe, Orilla Waller dead 57
Beck, Harry Sketch of 203
Bennett, Mrs. Sarah S .169
Berwick Centennial 7,9
Berwick, when Founded 09
Berwick, Date of Founding Questioned. . . 38
Best, Wrn. dead '. 110
Bird James. Hero of Lake Eric 100
Birkbeck, Elizabeth Johnson, dead . . . .116
Bogert, Joseph K. dead 90
Boundary between Luzerne and Lacka-
wanna settled 171
Bowman, Elizabeth dead 57
Bowman Family. Thomas 78
Brant Joseph. Monument Unveiled 41
Bricks, How Made in Wilkes-Barre 60
Years Ago and Now 11
Brown, Joseph dead 115
Brown, Mrs. Julia A. dead 143
Bross, Hon. Wm. Writing a X. K. Penn-
sylvania Novel 93
Brule Stephen, First White Man to De-
scend the Susquehanna 20
Burying Ground at White Haven 50
Butler, Abi Slocum dead 104
Errata 160
Butler, Mrs. Cornelia dead 167
Butler, Win. Mill 85
Canton, Conn., Local History of 82
Carevtown Road, Named Changed 121
Century of Legal Life ' 211
Chandler Genealogy 160
Cleveland-Folsora Genealogy 18
Coal, Price of in 1822 80
Price of in 1 835 60
Vegetable Origin of 4
Formation of 5
Col. Sam. Hunter on the Situation 72
Cold Summer of 1816 107
Commemorating Wyoming Massacre. . 163, 156
Connecticut Title Defended in 1801 22
Conrad, Christian dead 116
Coon Sausage Dinner 52
Cooper, Rev. Charles D. Reminiscences. . . 4 0
Coryell, Martin dead 75
Cornerstone laying of First Presbyterian
Church . 105
County Commissioners and their Clerks
from 1795 201
Crockett, James Surveyor 56
Dana. Anderson II. dead 142
Dancing Schools in Wilkes-Barre, 50 years
Ago, (Wright) 147
Davfs,' Wo. S. dead 118
Davies, W. T. Lieutenant-Governor 53
Davison, Elizabeth, a Massacre Survivor. . 05
Dennis. Capt. John dead 140
Derr's (H. H.) 25th Business Anniversary. 1 18
Descendentsof Wilkes-Barre Business Men
of 1 818 (W. Johnson) 113
Diary of Deacon .John Hurlbut 213.
Dickson. Rev. H. S. dead 220
Dilley, B. F 204
Dorrance, Col. Charles S2d Birthday 82
Dowling. E. F. dead ". ISO
Downing. Mrs. Laura dead 183
Drunkenness Now and Then 105
Duncan's Island, History of 190
Eagle Shot ". 30
Early Days in Wayne County 72
Early Lackawanna (Hollister) 102
Early Navigation on Susquehanna, (C. E.
Wright) 119
Early Susquehanna Manuscripts 217
Early Susquehanna Navigation 215
Easton in 1752 110
Egle, Dr. W. H. Sketch of 100
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/historicalrecordv1john
Articles bv
17, 18. 20. '2 -J.
Klmira Local History 30
Ely Post's Dead . . .' 158
Emmons, ••Paddy" the Veteran Fisherman 2*20
Engelke, Henry C. dead 1 IC
Eutcrline, Edward dead L39
Enterline, Mrs. J. II. dead 222
Federal Constitution, Volume 1 1 H
Fell, Mrs. D. A. dead 220
Finch Family Re-union 117
First Court in Luzerne County 151
First Forty of Kingston 69
Flight from Wyoming, (Wilcox) L89
Flour, Price of "from 1785 to J 828 07
Footprints of Indians in Lackawanna Val-
ley, (Hollister) 119
Fifty-fifth Wedding Anniversary of Charles
Morgan 122
Foster, C. W. Poem by, "The Pennsylvan-
ia's Lament" 81
Fourth of July in 1827 102
Franklin, John incidents in the life of ... . 67
lndieted in 1 787 179
Frauenthal, B. dead 1 40
Friendly Indians at Wyoming in 177 7. . . . 99
Fries, Capt. John of Bucks County. . 129, 182
Fugitives from the Massacre.* 65, ISO
■Gennantown, Battle of 50
Girls' Names a Century Ago 19;>
Gleanings from Old Newspapers in 1811. . 1
Good, Anthony dead 20
Gorman. Mrs. Dr. dead 83
Grave of Capt. Davis and Lieut. Jones. ... 0,s
Gregory, Geo. dead 112
Hakes Genealogy 87
Hardings, A Relic of 1 96
Harris, Rev. M. W. dead 210
Hartman, Mrs. M. L. T. History of Hunt-
ington Valley 3, 12. '37
Hay," Charles dead 1 03
Hayden, Rev. H. E. on Indian Medals... 1
Hawley, Rev. Bostwick, Reminiscences. . . 28
Hazleton's Centenial 73
Hill, C. F. Articles by 73. 90, 110, 155
Hill Family Re-union 169
Hillard Genealogy 101
Historical Journal^ Initial Number ..13G, 214
Historical Publications 171
Historic Log Chapel 3G
" Histoire de la Pensvlvanie" 182
Hodge, Rev. Dr. A. A. dead 56
Holcombe Re-union 12
Hollenbaek Cemetery Enlarged 170
Hollenbaek House Demolished 30
Hollister. Dr. H. Articles by
45, 102, 140. 159, 207
Hooper. Rebecca M. dead 113
Horton, Dr. Geo. F. dead 80
llosmer, Mrs. Faith 0. dead 210
Hull, A. G. dead 157
Hunlock's Creek, Indian Name of 73
Hurlbut, Doacon John 213
Hurlbuts, of Wyoming, Privations of 7'*,
Indian Paint Stones 24
Indians, Paper Ivlited and Printed by. ... 70
Indian Belies Found
6, 12, 25, 15, 17. 9.7, 120. 1 19, 200
Indian Treaty at Wyoming, in 1755 107
Index of Government Publications 80
Ingham House Demolished 158
Ireland, Poem on, by D. Lewcrs 60
Iron Axes Used in French and Indian War 52
Jacob v, Jacob de-ad 210
Jeffords, A. M. dead 187
Jenkins Family of Rhode Island 52
Jenkins, Steuben Articles bv
22, 38, 69,"l21, 182, 197. 218
Johnson, Wesley Articles bv
" 11, 48, 83, "113, 129, 177, 21.1
Jones Family of Bethlehem, Re-union. . . .131
Journals of Sullivan's Expedition, Discuss-
ions Concerning 218
July, Extreme Heat of 17 6
Kingston, Original Survey 60
Lackaw'na Institute of Hisioryand Science 109
Latitude of Wilkes-Barre, as Reckoned from
1755 to 1831, (S. Jenkins) 121
LeClerc, E. K. Poem on Wyoming 13
Lehigh University, Collection of Indian
Relies * 47
Levan, J. W. dead 142
Liar, of the Last Century, A 33
Livingstone, Mrs. Isaac dead 133
Local Taxes, 50 Years Ago 178
Loop. W. R. Life and Death 62
Loveland Genealogy 121
Lovveuburg, David dead 157
Luzerne, Chevalier de la 27
Luzerne County, Centennial Observance of
Erection, 26, 34: Assessment. 174; ex-
penses, 170.
Lynch, John 54
Madden, John S. dead 117, 160
Malum. Dr. J. B. Coroner . 56
Marey. John S. dead 140
Marshall's, Emanuel, Speedy Ancestor. . . .216
Masonic Funeral in 1 7 70 48
Medals Given to the Indian? 2
Meeting-House Lottery ." . . 1
Mennonites. History of 135
Meredith, Samuel (Hollister) 207
Meredith Correspondence 146, 161, 207
Meteoric Shower of 1833 132. 132. 198
Meteorite, Supposed 36
Mctzger, C. B. Sketch of 203
Military Company in 1182 211
Minor, Charles Sketch of 123, 212
Miner, Win. P. Articles by 1."), 33
Miuisink Massacre OS
Monument for Old Michael 17 1
Monroe, Will S. Wyoming Poetry [08
Moravians in Wyoming Valley 161
Mutt, Rev. W, K. Sketch of 180
Muusou, Mrs. Elizabeth dead 143
Myers House Burned ITS
MeAlpine, Albert dead 83
MeCarraghcr, Mrs. K. dead 220
McCarthy, Mrs. Esther dead 143
McGinty, J. J. Recorder 56
MeGroarty, Mrs. Hugh 1'38
McGroarty, John S. Review of his Poetry
of Wyoming Valley 21
Nanticoke Presbyterian Church History.. 51
New York Currency in 1754. (Plumb). . . .160
New York State Report of Sullivan Expe-
dition .' 1 44
Newspaper Clippings of 50 Years Ago. ... GO
Newspapers in Wilkes-Barre, Early
1. 15/27, 123, 212
No Fortunes Awaiting Claimants 52
Norris, A.Wilson, Auditor General, Sketch
of 54
Objections Against Railroads in 1825 . . . .175
Oldest Printer in the United States 101
Old Buildings Disappearing 122
Old Michael , 173
Old-time Masonic Record 112
Old-time Military Company. 17S2 211
Old-time Musical Instrument 52
Opelousa, Lake. Legend of 178
Origin of the Union League 1 20
Osborne, Gen. F. S : 54
Oftterhout, Elizabeth Lee, death and will. .141
Osterhout Free Library 03
Package of Butler Papers Found 92
Packard, Susan Breese dead 83
Paper a Century Old 155
Paper Currency of 1822 8G
Parke, Rev. X. G. Anniversary Sermon . .180
Parke, Rev. X. G. Address by 165
Parsons, Calvin Golden Wedding 1S7
Pence, Peter? ...... 125, 175
Pennsylvania Germans 95
Perry, Mrs. Ann dead 137
Pettebone, Payne Golden Wedding 209
Pettebone. S. Reminiscence of 135
Philadelphia Ledger, First Issue of 210
Pioneer Church of Lackawanna 153
Pioneer Physicians of Wyoming 97
Pioneer Privations 76
Poetry of WTyoming 105
Population of Wilkes-Barre 179. 20G
Post-Oliices in Luzerne County 35
Postage Rates 50 Years Ago/. 130
Plumb Family in America 1\
Plumb, H . B. A rticles by 76. 1 3 1 . 1 37. 1 602 11.213
Plumb, i;. H. H. Articles by 2 1. 49, 61
Pluukctt's Expedition Against Wyoming. . 81
Prehistoric Burial Ground 210
Prohibition Among the Indians in j7."».'; ..136
Proposed Exodus from Wvoming in 1783. 27
Pryor, Mrs. Eliza dead. . ." 185
Public Domain, How We Acquired It.... 19
Raub, Mrs. Moriah dead 18
Rare History of Pennsylvania 182
Recalling a Church Building Accident. 155, 162
Redemptionists, The 21
Relic of Pioneer Life Uncovered 103
Relics of Sullivan's March 1 52
Remarkable Swarm of Flies 203
Remembering Wyoming's Slain 156
Re-union of 1 13d Regt. P. V 1 93
Re-union ol^ 53d Llegt. P. V 202
Rice. Jacob Golden Wedding 170
Rice, Rev. J. P., dead, aged 81 2
Rimer, Geo. W 204
Riot. Among Canal Constructionists in 1828 133
Ripple, Isaac dead 48
Hoi >ins. Klias dead 1 39
Roltinson. Dr. Silas B. (Hollistcr) 59
Robinson, T. W. dead 179
Roderick. Mrs. Margaret dead 113
Ross, James dead 118
Rout of the Six Xations 144
Rutter. Miss Ellen C. dead 140
Schools in Wiikes-Barrc 50 vears ago. ... 61
Sea Coal .' ." 177
Search, H. W. Sheriff 55
Seeley, Mrs. Anna, dead . . 120
Sharpe. Richard. Reminiscence of 1827 . .134
Shaver, James B. dead 124
Sheep Raising in 1S35 32
Shoemaker, R. McD. dead 59
Shortest Will on Record 212
Slocum, Frances. Relies of 14. 30
Slocum, Thomas Truxton. dead 156
Smallest Man in Pennsylvania 153
Snowden, Rev. E. H. Reminiscences of ..199
Snowden, R. R. dead 59
Solomon, Joseph a frontier hero 96
Stella of Lackawanna's Poems 159
Stewart. Lazarus Genealogy 17
Stewart. Lee W. dead 15
Stewart. Thomas J. Secretarv of Internal
Affairs 54
Straw. Cyrus Sketch of 203
Stroud, Rev. Geo. D. dead 167
Sturdevant. Charles dead 137
Sturdevant. L. D. dead 57
Substrata of Wyoming Coal Measures. . . .205
Sullivan Expedition at Wyoming. McKen-
dry's Journal 37
Sullivan Road 50
Susquehanna County Centennial 181
Susquehanna, Etymology of 135
Supplies Famished Soldiers, 1778. (Plumb) 131
Taverns in Old Times 177
Thayendanega, not at Wyoming 11
The Local Historian 89
Theophilus, Mrs. Rachel 186
Thomas. Mrs. Ellen, Reminiseenees 1 2.'J
Thompson, Colonial Secretary <J3
Torrence, Rev. I. II. Sketch of 138
Tripp. Ira How he was made Colonel 1(>
Turner, Rev. TV". W. dead 169
Two Lackawanna Old Residents 162
Two Preachers of Former Times 180
Two Suicides, Lcupp and Lee 217
War Prices in Confederacy 100
Was Benedict Arnold interested inWvoming200
Weller, Mrs. S. S. dead " .1 87
Wells, Wm. S. Golden Wedding 134
West Branch Local History . .". 109, 195
Wilcox Genealogical Data Wanted 119
Wilcox, W. A. Address 189
Wildcat Reminiscence 132
Wilis of Ellen C. Rutter and Mrs. Sarah
Bennett 171
Wilson, H. C. Reminiscences 47
Wilson, Coi. W. P. dead 6
Wiliams, Mrs. Annetta dead 157
W ilmot Hon. David R 10
Vale of Wyoming, Poem by Juliana Fran-
ces Turner 105
Valuable Newspaper Relic 84
Waeklcr, Major Jacob ^U^] 219
Wilkes-Barre in 1812. (IX Yarington) ... 130
Wilkes-Barre Business Men of 1818 87
Wilkes-Barre Fifty Years Ago, (Snowden).199
Wilkes-Barre Present Population. .. .179, 20G
Wilkes-Barre's Presenl Resources 80
Wright's, O. E. New Book "On the Lacka-
wanna" 64
Wright's, C. K. Latest Novel 1 04
Wright, C K. Articles by '.. 119, 14 7
Wright, Harrison Memorial Volume 67
Wright, J. Ridgway 55
Wright, Mrs. Nancy X. dead 184
Wright, 8am His Oysters ami Beer. . . .33, 47
Wroth, John dead 58
Wood, Sarah Gore dead 7 1
Woodward, John K. dead 185
Worrall, Geo. dead 184
Wyoming Blues, Early Roster of 79, 92
Wyoming Historical and Geological Society
Meetings 25, 71. 94, 148, 154. 166
Wyoming Monument, Poem by Mrs. Sig-
ourney 129
Wyoming Pioneers in Binghamton 112
Wyoming Valley Poetry, (Monroe) 108
Yarington, Dihon Letter . . . .84, 87. 107. 130
Yarington, D. Oldest Subscribe: to Wilkes-
Barre Papers 210
CORRECTION OF ERRORS.
Page 97. The Average Price of Flour in Philadelphia from 17S5 to 1S2S is
given at $17.42 per hundred pounds. The figures should be $7. 42.
Page 213. Second column, line 18 for barked, read backed. Line 22, bark
lands should be back lands.
Page 214. First column, third line, Wednesday, May 20, should be 26, Friday
below, should be 28th; line 24 should read Decker's. In line 44 read 569 equals 686.
Page 218. Second column, line 14, should read Mr. Conover's volume, instead
of Mr. Corwin's.
The Historical Record
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO
Zhe ]£arl\> 1bistor\> o! Wyoming H)alle\>
AND CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY
WITH
NOTES AND QUERIES
Biographical, Antiquarian, Genealogical
Together with the Marriages and Deaths of the Present Day
in Luzerne County
EDITED BY F. C. JOHNSON, M. D.
?/#{ / September 1886 S?° /
WILKES-BARRE, PA.
Egress of XTbe mUftes*Barre IRecorfc
MDCCCLXXVI
The Historical Record
Published Monthly
Compiled from the Wilkes-Barre Record
Subscription :
$1.50 Per Year, in Advance, Single Copies Fifteen Cents.
Address all Communications to
THE RECORD,
WILKES-BARRE, PA.
Vol. I SEPTEMBER. 1886. No. 1
Contents
Page
1. Gleanings from Old Newspapers Published in
Wilkes-Barre, 1S11-1817 James W. Chapman.
2. Colonial or Provincial Dr. W. H. Egle.
Death of Pvev. J. P. Rice
Medals Given to the Indians, a brief descrip-
tion of them Rev. H. E. Hayden.
3. Early Doctors -of Huntington Valley . . . . Mrs.M.L.T.HARTMAN
4. The Vegetable Origin of Coal Prof. L. Lesouereux.
5. The Formation of Coal M. Grand' Eurv.
6. Death of Col. William P. Wilson
Indian Relics Found
7. The Berwick Centennial, Data relating to the
Town's Settlement, Celebration of the event
10. ''Proviso" Wilmot
11. Brick Making Sixty Years Ago and To-day Wesley Johnson.
12. Historical Notes: The Holcombe P'amily Re-
Union, Bucks County Historical Society, etc.
13. Historical Poem on Wyoming Edw'd E. Le Clerc,
14. Alleged Relics of Frances Slocum
15. Early Newspapers in Wilkes-Barre William P. Miner
Death of L. W. Stewart
16. How Ira Tripp Became Colonel
Marriages and Deaths
XCbe historical IRecorb
Vol. I.
septemb:
1886.
No.
Kecollectioiis of James IV. Chapinau.
The Montrose Republican has an article
rtignod C, which stands for J. W. Chapman,
father of Mrs. S. L. Brown, of Wilkes Barre,
in which the writer quotes from a recent is-
sue of the Kkcoijd and adds some interest-
ing comments of his own. Mr. Chapman
tiius corrects an inadvertence v;hich crept
into the article:
Tho Wilkes-Barre Kecobd has been pub-
lishing some extracts from the Gleaner,
a Wilkes-Barre paper published in 1811.
The introduction to the article says,
published by Asher Miner and Steuben
Butler; but 1 think it must have been
Charles Miner and Butler, as I know
that Charles Miner, the founder of the
Gleaner, was associated with Steuben Butler
in publishing for some time, and that he
sold oat &the Gleaner establishment as early
as 1816 or before, to Isaac A. Chapman, an
uncle of mine; for I was there attending
school during the winter of 1816-17. when
the paper was published bv him. Charles
Miner, on leaving the Gleaner, went into the
publication of a paper at Doylesiown, Bucks
County, with his brother Asher, I believe,
and subsequently established The Village
Record at West Chester, which he made' a
very popular newspaper. Asher Miuer (and
possibly Mr. Butler ), was engaged in pub-
lishing a paper in Wilkes-Barre called The
Luzerne Federalist, still earlier than the
Gleaner.
*
''March 20. The Commissioners of the
Willkes-Barre Meeting House and Bank
Lottery have appointed Thomas Dyer, Esq.,
treasurer of their Board, upon whom the
holders of fortunate tickets may call for
payment of prizes. Ebenezer Bowman,
Lord Sutler, Mathew Covell, managers."
Only think — of a meeting house, now
called a church, to be built from the avails
of a lottery ! tfut such was the fact. The
old meeting house first built in Wilkes-Barre
on the Public Square where now stands the
Court House — for years the only house
of worship in town, having a very high
steeple, occupied alternately by the Presby-
terians and the Episcopalians, and finally by
the Methodists, was originally built (in part
"I least) by means of a lottery! I was aware
of that fact from hearing much about it from
my parents—one of the commissioners con-
cerned in it, Pelog Tracy, having married
my mother's sister; and another, George
Haines, married a sister of my father. Won-
der if they licensed drinking saloons in those
days for means to build churches?
#
"April 19. Thomas Parke (Col. 129th
Regiment Pennsylvania Militia) calls a
meeting of t fie commissioned and staff offi-
cers at the house of Joseph Chapman, Jr.,
m Bridgewater, armed and in uniform, as
the law directs.''
Col. Parke was well known as one of tho
early settlers of that period. He began the
farm since known as Parkevale, near Spring-
ville, and was one of the County Commis-
sioners of old Luzerne when it included Sus-
quehanna County. He was the father of the
late Benj. Parke, Esq.. and was a gentleman
of very dignified bearing as a military offi-
cer. As was the custom in those days, he
called out all the officers of the regiment
once a year for a training drill, and gener-
ally at my father's house in old Bridgewater,
now Brooklyn.
*
"April 2H. A complete workman is en-
gaged to finish the vessel now on the stocks
in this port. It is contemplated to have
her launched and fit for the shareholders to
dine in on the 4th of July. Those who are
in arrears, it is presumed, will pay up their
shares with the promptitude which their en-
gagements and the importance of the under-
taking demand. As no mention of the ves-
sel is made in the report of the Indepen-
dence Day celebration, we presume tho work
was not completed in time."'
I think this must refer to a vessel built
about that period at Wilkes-Barre mainly by
the enterprise of a prominent business man,
then well known, by the name of John P.
Arndt. Elisha Mack, an early settler from
Lyme, Conn., at "Mack's Comers," in
Brooklyn, who was a ship carpenter by trade,
was employed to "boss" the job. It was said
to be nicely done, and when launched into
the Susquehanna, Capt. Joseph Chapman Sr.,
who after being an officer in the Revolution
served several years as a sea captain in the
West India trade, was chosen to "ehristen" her
as it was called. with a bottle of wine, calling
her the "Experiment," if I remember right-
ly, intended for sale (as well as for sail) at
Baltimore or some other place down the
THE HIST01UCAL HKCORD.
rivor— I don't know whether as a sloop or ;i
schooner. I believe, however, it proved to
bo hii unsuccessful experiment to the own-
ers, as I think sho was wrecked before ever
reaching h^r destination. If J am mistaken
in this or any other statement of early events,
I hope some antiquarian of earlier years or
better posted than J am may volunteer to
correct me. o.
Montroso, July 11, '86.
Colonial or Provincial..
Many of our writers, especially newspaper
historians, use the term colonial to the events
in Pennsylvania under the proprietary gov-
ernment. Prior to the purchase by William
Penn, it was the Colony on the Delaware,
afterwards the Province of Pennsylvania.
Now Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania
wero provinces, while Massachusetts, New
York, Virginia and others were always
colonies until they declared their indepen-
dence. The governor of a colony was ap-
pointed by the Crown — those of the province
by the proprietary. Perchance the use of
this term colonial as to Pennsylvania arose
from the fact that Mr. Hazard, who edited
them, misnamed our Provincial Records,
Colonial Records. He ought to have known
better. — Dr. W. Trl.Egle.in Hamsburg Tele-
graph.
An Aged Preacher's Burial.
The funeral of Rev. J. P. Rice was held
at Trucksville July 30, at 2 pm., the re-
mains arriving at Kingston from Hunlock's
Creek on the 12:40 pm. D., L. & W. train.
Rev. A. Griffin, of the Kingston M. E.
Church officiated, and preached a sermon
from the words found in Job 5, 26 : " Thou
shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as
a shock of corn cometh in in his season."
There was a very large attendance of rela-
tives and friends of the deceased. Among
the relatives being his aged wife : a brother,
Rev. C. L. Rice, of the Wyoming Con-
ference, and stationed at North Fenton,
Binghamton District ; Dr. Rogers and wife
(Mrs. Rogers being a sister; of Huntsville;
his three sons, Levi Rice, of Lehman ,
William, of Harvey's Lake and Ly-
man, of Dallas ; also, a step -daughter,
Mrs. Harrison Steele, of Shelby, Ohio, and a
stepson, Jacob Rice, with his wife, from
Hunlock's Creek, with whom Mr. Rice and
his wife wore living at the time of his death.
Mrs. George Cook, of Three Rivers, Mich..,
a daughter of the deceased, was not able to
be present. Judge James Phoenix and wife,
of Beaumont, were also present. Mrs.
Phoenix is a sister of the deceased. Inter-
ment was made in the cemetery at Trucks-
ville.
Mr. Rice was born in Knowlton Township,
N. J., Aug. 22, 1805. He was the son of Rev.
Jacob Rice, lie came to Trucksville m May,
1814. He was fur many years a class leader,
exhorter and local preacher in tho M. K.
Church, lie was possessed of many sterling
qualities and leaves behind hiin a good name,
which "is rather to be chosen than great
riches."
MEDALS (I1VKN TO THE INDIANS.
Brief Description of Five Historical Med-
als in tho Possession of tho Wyoming
Historical Society — Also of One Which
Ought to be, But is Not
At the fall meeting of the Wyoming His-
torical and Geological Society, Rev. Horace
Edwin Hayden, of t\vs city, read a paper
on the various silver and copper medals
presented to the American Indians by tho
sovereigns of England, France and Spain,
from 1CJ00 to 1800 and especially of five
such medals of George L, of Great
Britain, now in the possession of the Wyom-
ing Historical and Geological Society and
its members. The same now appears in
pamphlet form, also in the second volumo of
the published proceedings of the society.
The paper is a most interesting one, tracing
briefly the American discovery and the sub-
sequent treatment by the whites of the abo-
riginal inhabitants, particularly in the
bestowal of medallic tributes, and other
presents. France and England early vied
with each other in thus seeking to attach-
ment of the Indians. We have space for
only a portion of the description of tho
Wyoming medals. For a more satisfactory
idea of the subject the reader is referred to
Mr. Hayden's valuable pamphlet. We quote
and condense a few paragraphs:
The Indian medals of George I. are the first
that bear any especial reference to the pe-
culiar life and pursuits of the Indians. Each
of the tour medals which I here present for
your examination, contains on the obverse
tho bust of George I., and on the reverse,
the device of an Indian hunting the deer.
Two of these medals have a historic connec-
tion that is interesting.
Those which belong to my own cab-
inet were discovered about 1858, in the
bank of the Ohio River, at Point Pleasant,
West Virginia, on the spot where the bloody
and stubborn battle of Point Pleasant was
fought, in 1774, between the colonists, un-
der General Andrew Lewis, and the com-
bined Indian tribes, under Logan, Corn-
stalk and Outacite : a battle which begin
one-half an hour before sunrise, October
10, 1774, and continued, almost without
cessation, until sunset the same day. It is
more than probable that these two medals
were worn by Indian chiefs on that day,
and were lost in the conflict or in the flight.
They were presented to me by the late Dr.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Samuel Glover Shaw, of Point Pleasant,
from his very rich collection ol* pre-bistoric
and Indian remains. In describing these
five medals, i will begin with that one be-
longing to the society:
J. Wyoming Medal— Obverse, military bust
of George 1. Legend "George King of
Great Britain." Reverse, under a tree to
the left stands a deer on a hill. To the
right, at the foot of the hill, stands an In-
dian, with a bow drawn, and in the act of
shooting the deer ; over all, the sun with
his rays. Size, 25-16.
This medal was included in the Chambers
Collection, which was purchased and pre-
sented to the society in 1858, thus forming
the nucleus of the the valuable collections
now owned by this society. The medal is
described in Mr. Chambers' catalogue as
" one of the medals presented by George 1.
to the chiefsof the Six Nations in 1716.'-' As
there was no conference with the Indians by
any of the colonies of Great Britain in 1716,
Chambers' conclusions are merely conjec-
tural. It may have been presented at the
conference of the Governor of New York
and the Six Nations in 1715 or 1717, but in
the very full account of those conferences
no reference whatever is made to this or
any other medal. Where Mr. C. procured
this medal and what its local history. I can-
not ascertain ; but the above account of it
disposes of the impression which somehow
has prevailed, that it was the copy referred
to by Mr. Miner, or had been received by
this society from the Historical Society of
Pennsylvania.
2. Point Pleasant Medal— Obverse, mili-
tary bust of George I., draped and laureated,
facing right, and 2-16 larger than the head
of No. 1. Legend the same -as No. 1,
" George King of Great Britain." Reverse,
same as No. 1. except that the hill is higher,
the tree shorter and the Indian larger.
Brass. Size 26.
3. Point Pleasant Medal— Obverse, mili-
tary bust of George I., facing left, and
laureated. Legend "Georgius.— Mag. Br.
Fra. et Hit. Rex." Reverse, under a tree to
the right, which follows the curve of the
planchet, an Indian is standing in the pos-
ture of one about to run. He holds in his
hand a bow from which the arrow has been
discharged. To the left, under a second tree
which tollows the left curve of the planchet,
is a deer running at full speed. Between the
Indian and the deer stands a bush at the foot
of which lies what appears to be a dead
deer. There is no sun on the medal. Plan-
chet very thin. Brass. Looped. Size 16.
4. Stearns Medal.— Copper. Almost identi-
cal with 2So. 2. Size 26. In possession of
Master Denison Stearns.
5. Jenkins Medal.— Obverse, military bust
of George I. The hair does not fall over the
back in a queue but is confined closely by the
fillet, which in composed of 12 leaves, and is
much smaller than the others. The legend,
George King of Great Britain, extends over
7, of the circumference, while in the other it
is only about %. Reverse, The sun; a very
large Indian to the right throwing a javelin
at a very small deer, which stands to the left
at an angle of forty degrees from the Indian.
Copper. Very thick. Size 21. This medal,
now in the possession of Hon. Steuben Jen-
kins of Wyoming, Pa., was found on the
banks of the Susquehanna at Sunbury, by
Mr. J. H. Jenkins.
A copy of No. 2 is known to be in the His-
torical Society of Pennsylvania. It is de-
scribed in Miner's History of Wyoming, p.
27, and is represented there by an engrav-
ing. It will be recognized as a duplicate of
No. 2. Mr. Miner gives this account of its
discovery: After a general description of the
remains of ancient fortifications in the Wyo-
ming Valley, he refers to one "on Jacobs'
Plains, or the upper flats in Wilkes-Barre:"
gives a detailed account of its appearance,
and continues, "in 1614 I visited this forti-
n" cation in company with the present Chief
Justice Gibson and Jacob Cist, Esq. The
whole line, although it had been ploughed
for more than thirty years, was then dis-
tinctly traceable by the eye. Fortune was
unexpectedly propitious to our search, for
we found a medal bearing on one side the
impress of King George the First, dated
1714 (the year he commenced his reign.) on
the other an Indian Chief. It was awarded
to Mr. Cist, as the most curious and careful
in such matters, and by him was deposited
with the Philadelphia Historical Society."
Mr. Miner adds, in a note, "Should it not be
placed with the Indian relics in a museum to
be formed in Wilkes-Barre '/" I courteously
commend this suggestion to the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania. I think Mr. Miner
must be in error as to the date, as none ap-
pears on the engravings of the medal, and
none appears on any of the four medals just
described. Other copies of this medal have
been discovered in the State of Pennsylva-
nia, but I have had no time to ascertain their
present whereabouts.
Early Doctors of Huntington Valley.
Dr. Charles E. Gaylord was probably the
first permanently settled physician in Hunt-
ington Valley. His family were among the
rirst settlers of the Susquehanna Co. His
father died in the Revolutionary War and his
brother, Lieut. Asher Gaylord, fell in the
massacre at Wyoming. The doctor settled
in Huntington soon after the cessation of
Indian hostilities. His only child was Hender-
son Gaylord, who afterwards was made weal-
thy by the coal deposits on his land.
The next physician was Dr. Crystal, who
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
came soon after 1800. His wife was a Miss
Stookey, of Salem.
Dr. Griswold afterwards located near Town
Hill, arid practiced about. '20 years. Dr. John
Weston practiced awhile as the successor of
Dr. Gaylord, but moved to the State of New
York where his children yet reside.
These early physicians were succeeded by
Drs. Pickering, Jones, Davenport, Crawford,
Hayden and others, who each resided in
Huntington some years, then sought loca-
tions elsewhere.
Dr. Sidney H. Warner located in Hunting-
ton in 1833 and practiced nearly half a cen-
tury. Onedaughter is the wife of Dr. Clin-
ton Bacon, of Huntington and a son, Dr.
John Nelson Warner, is practicing dentistry
in Wilkes-Barre, the mother, nee Cornelia
Machette, of Philadelphia, making her home
with the latter. Dr. Warner almost literally
tsood head and shoulders over his followers,
physically and mentally.
A few years after Dr. Warner came Dr.
William Barrett, who practiced at Cambra a
score of years. Originally from Gettysburg,
he hastened thither after the battle and
bravely assisted in the care of the sick and
wounded.
Dr. Mason Crary was one of the early
settlers and the first physician of Salem
Township. He was a native of Stonington,
Conn.
In 1846 Dr. L. C. White located in Shick-
shinny and practiced several years. The fol-
lowing year he was joined by his
brother-in-law, Dr. Charles Parker.
The latter practiced here until his death, at
the age of about 80, Dr. White removing to
Mississippi.
Dr. William D. Hamilton has practiced in
Shickshinny more than "25 years. Later
comers are Drs. Kamerly, Dodson. Chapin,
Rogers, Harrison, Kingsbury, Betterly, Snt
liff, Santee, Harvey. Bonharn, Bacon, Hice,
Boston, Lockhart and Davidson.
For details the reader is referred to Mrs.
M. L. Hartman's historical artical in the
Shickshinny Echo of July *23, 1886, from
which these facts are taken.
The Vegetable Origin of Coal.
Prof. Leo. Lesquereux, Fossil Botanist
of the Geological Survey of Penn-
sylvania, and well-known in Wilkes-
Barre, by reason of his vi-it
to the collection of the Wyoming His-
torical and Geological Society, is writing a
series of articles going to favor the origin of
anthracite coal. He takes up several objec-
tions to this theory and then answers them.
We quote:
First Objection.— The vegetable remains
found in and upon the shale of coal beds do
not prove that the coal itself is a compound
of plaids. The preserved remains may have
been deposited and indeed have been de-
posited in the shale after the formation of
the coal. Therefore leave.-, branches, frag-
ments of plants of diverse nature, like pieces
of bark, etc., found now in connection with
coal beds, may have been carried by atmos-
pheric disturbances, storms, etc., and strewn
upon layers of bituminous matter, like the
lakes of bitumen observed in the vicinity of
some volcanoes. The plant-, therefore, may
be totally foreign to the composition of Die
coal.
Answer 1. — In examining seams of coal
covered by shale-bearing plants, one sees
that the roof shales become gradually more
bituminous in approaching the line of con-
nection with the coal; and that even where
they have become quite black, or half shale
and half coal, the remains of the plants are
still recognized, losing their forms only
tfhen the matter is entirely decomposed or
reduced to hard coal. But even then, in
some coal beds, the thin layers of nearly
pellucid very hard bituminous matter are
separated by their lamella- of charcoal, evi-
dently woody matter. Leaflets of ferns, and
pieces of bark with their peculiar leaf-sears,
are often printed with a perfect preservation
of their forms and of their nervation, easily
distinguishable witli the eye.
Answer 2. — In some coal beds of cannel,
or very bituminous coal, fragments of plants
of divers size, trunks of trees, branches of
fern, especially small seeds, spores (the
seeds of Lycopodiacfe) are found, sometimes
in great abundance. Species of coal in
England have been found composed of
spores in such profusion that some authors
have hazarded the opinion that coal has been
entirely formed of spores. In the cannel
coal, the most compact coal of which the
matter has been »o thoroughly decomposed
that the fracture of the substance i> as
smooth as that of black marble, for example
in the Breckinri.lge coat of Kentucky, one
finds large stems, stignuiria, fepidodendron,
etc., whose forms are perfectly preserved as
sulphide of iron or Dyrites. At Cannelton,
the bed of coal also cannel, rests upon a
layer of less thoroughly decomposed matter,
but still coal, wherefrom the remains of 250
species of plants have been obtained and
described.
Objection continued.— But the objector
may say, bitumen either deposited by and
from the atmosphere or by the eruption of
volcanoes, maj have been distributed upon
forests or upon land covered with a varied
vegetation: and of course the remains of
plants might thus be found at the base of
the bituminous deposits, or piece- of wood,
branches, trunks, large fragments of bark,
may have been thrown from the borders
during the process of accumulation of the
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
matter without having contributed in any
essential manner to the composition of the
combustible.
Answer 3.— Now we have for answering
the preceding objection a kind of evidence
concerning trie true nature of coal to which
it seems that no contradiction can be reason-
ably offered. By the work of the lapidary it
is possible to obtain lamellae of coal thin
enough to be rendered nearly translucent.
On subjecting these lamella- to the mi-
croscope, one may easily see the matter of
the coal to bo composed of mere fragments
of vegetables, though they may be deformed
by compression and decomposition, lie-
searches of this kind have been for some
time actively pursued, and have moved that
a piece of coal taken from any part of a coal
seam, either in vertical or horizontal direc-
tion, is entirely made up of very small frag-
ments of plants mixed of course with an
amount of bitumen such as necessarily re-
sults front the decomposition of plants.
Researches on this subject have been pur-
sued in Germany, by Gumbel: in France, by
Renault: in England, by Williamson, Car-
ruther, Wethered; in Switzerland, by Fruh:
in North America, by Dawson. All have
arrived at the same conclusion, that the
coal is entirely composed of vegetable re-
mains.
It cannot be said against these revelations
of structure made by the microscope that
the so-called carbonized vegetable tissues
may not be plants; for the celebrated anat-
omist Renault, of the museum of Paris, re-
marks as others have noticed before him,
that in a great number of oases, the remains
of the plants which composes the coal, al-
though deformed by maceration, still show
recognizable organic structures, and may be
identified as plants of the same species as
those which are found in fragments siltcitied
or in the roof shale, where they have been
protected against deformation by being em-
bedded in clay, iron, sand, etc.
The thin layers of hydrocarbon are pro-
duced of course by the decomposition of the
vegetable tissue and by compression. They
are rarely pure but generally mixed with
spores or pieces of cellular tissue, isolated
cells, etc.
To the evidence thus obtained directly by
the eyesight of observers may be added the
no less direct evidence of chemical analysis.
The proportion of ashes remaining after
combustion of coal is on an average the
same as that of various species of wood. If
there is a little surplus in the proportion it
is easily accounted for, as caused by the in-
troduction into the original mass of that
dust of mineral matter reduced to powder
always earned by the wind.
And, in regard to the constituents of the
coal, chemistry acknowledges that they must
positively be a result of the slow, gradual
and long-continued decomposition of
vegetable matter, protected from the free
access of the air and its burning element
oxygen. The process of this peculiar de-
composition has been followed from its
beginning in peat, to its first more advanced
stages in the lignite of the glacial era ; in
which latter form the branches and trunks
of trees have already become softened to
the consistence of soap without losing their
color : then, to the next stage of miocene
lignite, in which the wood, still soft, is al-
ready quite black ; then, to lower tertiary or
upper cretaceous coal, where the vegetable
matter is hard and contact like coal, but
easily disaggregated by atmospheric action ;
then, to coal of the carboniferous period ;
and finally to the conditions of anthracite.
The whole series forms an unbroken chain
of successive modifications, which not only
can be, but has been carefully studied and
recorded as one of the most interesting
pages of the secret work of nature.
The Formation of Coal.
The Rkcoko has already given some of the
arguments of Prof. Leo Lesquereux, fossil
botanist of Pennsylvania, to sustain the
theory that anthracite coal is of vegetable
origin. A French paper — the Bulletin de la
Ceramique — now publishes a singular and
entirely different theory in which M. de
Grand' Eury argues that forest vegetation
had nothing to do with coal formation.
Buffon having indicated the fact that coal
deposits are situated in places which at one
time were covered with water. M. de Grand'
Eury argues that the water of such seas or
lakes was heated by the earth's caloric pro-
perties and by the sun. The atmosphere
being charged with carbonic acid, there was
in these waters an enormous production of
inferior vegetation which absorbed the car-
bonic acid of the air, and became decom-
posed either by the wrant of water or of pxy-
gen. A sort of vegetable jelly will thus have
been formed which, gradually losing its
humidity, transformed its carbon into ulmic
hydra-carburetted substances; to become
successively transformed into asphalte, pe-
troleum, naptha, earth pitch, bitumen, and
finally coal.
This principle is opposed to the idea that
large trees and shrubs produced coal, and
in further support of this theory it is stated
that the carboniferous ilora consisted of
plants deficient in substance necessary for
producing eoai, the investigations of M.
Gaston de Saporta on this point indicating
that this vegetation consisted of a relatively
thin circle of wood and a large quantity of a
softer substance. Brogniart and Elie de
Beaumont attribute the foundation of coal
to the transformation of the close herbaceous
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
vegetation which surrounded the larger
forest trees and plants. Similar opinions
have been expressed by M. Ponchet and
oilier savans, so thatM. Grand' Eury has
more or less eminent authorities tor his
statement, that a calculation of accumula-
tion of trees, etc., necessary for the conver-
sion into even a thin coal bed. a forest sud-
denl> buried underwater or gradually letting
its residue gather on the ground, leads to
an evidently erroneous result; so greatly is
it necessary to exaggerate either the mass of
vegetable matter or the duration of the pro-
cess of coal formation.
M. Grand' Eury believes that coal was at
one time liquid, and gradually assumed a
solid shape. He considers that coal beds
were formerly beds of naptha and bitumin-
ous petroleum, produced by the decomposi-
tion of inferior aquatic vegetation, under
the influence of heat and dampness. As a
proof of this assertion, he quotes the fact
that the porous minerals found at the bot-
tom of coal pits are impregnated in their
pores with naptha and petroleum. This is
immediately detected by their odor and it is
therofore argued that this naptha could only
haye been absorbed during the first state of
coal formation. It is further remarked that
this theory serves to explain the formation
of petroleum, asphalie and other bituminous
springs, which are found at various depths
and even at the bottom of some lakes.
In further defense of the hypothesis that
coal was once in a liquid state, it is urged
that cannel coal lights in the same way as
resin, and can be used like a torch or flam-
beau. Another proof is the fact that the
lighter substances (turfs, lignites, etc.), are
on the top. Various proofs are furnished by
the absence of similarity between the ashes
of wood and coal, that the two substances
are not so closely connected as has been
thought to be the case.
The presence of fossil imprints or plants
is explained by the fact that these imprints
are 'in the earthy and schi.-tous portions of
the mines, and not in the coal itself. The
trunks of trees which are sometimes found
are not coal, properly so called, and retain
certain properties of wood. The waters in
which there grew the vegetable substances
contained (like such waters of the present
time) carbonate of lime, carbonate of iron,
and alum. Hence the presence of these
salts in certain kinds of coal is explained.
These interesting fact- quoted by M. Paul
Noel are possibly not altogether new, but in
any case deserve attention from the methodi-
cal and careful manner in which they are
presented b\ him. Ideas of a more or less
novel kind have from tune to time been put
forward by French writers with regard to
this subject. M. Gennete asserted that coal
is produced from a certain sand} earth which
he names agas, while M. de Gonsanne re-
gards it as clay mixed with sufficient bitumen
and sulphur to render it combustible. In
further illustration of his theory, he quotes
the fact that none of the ligneous products
with which we are acquainted can, strictly
speaking, be called coal; referring specially
to lignites, etc.
A former Wilkes- Barrean's Death.
Col. William P. Wilson, formerly of this
city, died at Warm Springs, Va., a short
time ago, his demise being caused by heart
disease superinduced by rheumatism, con-
tracted while serving in the Rebellion. Col.
Wilson was engaged in the drug business in
this city in 1870-1, in partnership with P. M.
Barber, they having a tine establishment in
Music Hall block, and another on Public
Square in the store room lately vacated by
C. B. Metzger, Col. Wilson's wife is a sis-
ter of Allan H. Dickson Esq. He was an
aid in Gen. Hancock's staff during the war,
and for five years subsequently. Col. Wil-
son was a brave soldier, an honorable bus-
iness man and an upright citizen.
The following is taken fromKulp's Famil-
ies of Wyoming:
Rev. H S. Dickson had four children, the
youngest, Allan Hamilton Dickson, Esq., of
Wilkes- Barre, another, Ellen, who married
Col. W. P. Wilson, of Potter's Mills, Centre
County, Pa. Col. Wilson was a grandson of
Hugh Wilson, who was one of the founders
of the Irish settlement at Bath, Northampton
County, Pa., and a son of Dr. William Irvine
Wilson, whose wonderful energy, courage
and devotion in the practice of medicine
throughout Penu's Valley during its early
history, and whose cheerful and profuse hos-
pitality at his home, at Potter's Mills, made
him famous and beloved by all of his many
friends and acquaintances. He died atBelle-
fonte, on September 22, 18cf3, in his nine-
tieth year. Col. Wilson served throughout
the war on the staff of Gen. W. S. Hancock,
and remained in the regular army until ly?U,
when he resigned his commission and en-
gaged in business.
Judge Dana's Indian Pipe.
A Tuukhannock correspondent of the
Scranton Free Press writes thus: ''Up the
side of Avery mountain is a cave, from the
mouth of which you get a lovely view of the
valley: they say this cave was a hiding place
and shelter for the Indians in days gone by.
Just across the river on the flats was an In-
dian burying ground. A German farmer,
who work's Dr. Dana's farm, told me yester-
day that two years ago, when plowing for
corn, he turned up seven Indian skull.s, a lot
of beads, wampum, arrow tips and a curious
pipo. Judge Dana, of Wilkes-Barre, who is
a collector of relics, gave $:20 for the pipe.
—."■>". 1-
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Till': BERWICK CENTENNIAL.
Some Data Relating to the Town's Set de-
ment — Confusion as to the Preei.se
Date — Names of the Founder and
Early Residents -Notable Events. Ew-
terprises, Buildings, Etc.
Authorities differ aa to the exaci time to cel-
ebrate the centennial of the borough of Ber-
wick, Columbia Co. The people there say
1886 is the proper year. Hon. Steuben
Jenkins says it should be next year. While
Dr. Egle, in his history of Pennsylvania,
says Berwick was first settled in 1783. and
this date coincides with that given in Day's
Historical Collections of Pennsylvania, pub-
lished in 1813. In the Berwick Independent
of Jul> 14, 1870, still another date is given,
it being stated that Berwick was
founded in 1780 by Evan Owen,
whose name would indicate Welsh ori-
gin, who came from Philadelphia in a
a Durham boat. He built a habitation and
laid out a town, which he called Owensville.
He subsequently named the town Berwick,
after his birthplace in Scotland, along the
river Tweed. His house was of logs upon a
site now occupied by the StftCharles Hotel.
The settlers who immediately followed were
Robert and John Brown, Englishmen: Sam-
uel Jackson, a brother-in law of Owen:
James Evans, a millwright: Henry Traugh,
a tanner: John Smith, a shoemaker, and
John Jones.
John Brown opened the first hotel, and it
was the favorite stopping place for travelers
between Wilkes-Barre and Northumberland.
This hotel stood where the Y. M. C. A. build-
ing now stands.
The next hotel was built by John Jones, at
corner of Market and Front Streets, and
was kept by him.
Abraham Klotz kept the Jones Hotel stand
a long while; then Frederick Nicely, during
whose time it was known as the Cross Keys.
The St. Charles Hotel was the first brick
structure in the town. It was first known as
theSeybert stand, then as the Rising Suzi. Its
present name was but recently applied. Af-
ter Seybert it was kept successively by Con-
nelly, Leidy, Ruch. Miller, Hoyt. Correll,
McNair, Stedman, Enke and Seely.
Dr. Headley kept a hotel in what is known
as the old Headley house, the present resi-
dence of H. R. Bower.
A market house was erected in 1805, it
serving for schools, religious services, public
meetings and elections.
Game was plenty in those days and wolves
were a common nuisance.
John Jones opened the first store
about 1800. Other early storekeepers
were J. & A. Miller, J. & E.
Leidy, Thomas Richardson, Matthew
McDowell, Wright & Slocum, Robert Mc-
jCurdy, Stowors A Ellis, Chirk, Drilly A Sco-
ville, Win. C. Reynolds, Gil more & Shunian,
Rittenhouse and Shumaii, Headley & Buhl,
Headley, McNair & Co., Fowler & Dries-
bach, J. & J. Bowman, who were succeeded
by C. B. Bowman, George Lane, father of
the late Charles A. Lane, of this city, who
was also a Methodist preacher and for a long
time identified with the Book Concern, New
YorK.
The first farmer was Sebastian Seybert,
who had also a store and blacksmith shop.
His farm was at the Swamp, in Salem Town-
ship, two miles above Berwick.
Among the early comers were Mr. Daven-
port, the Malloys, Samuel Herrin, William
Cox, Paul Thompson, <who was a
potter,) the Yernetts (M rs. Dr. Ingham being
a descendant of this family) and Mar.^halls.
Joseph Stackhouse brought fruit trees from
Bucks County which he planted in the square
comprised between Second. Third, Mulberry
and Vine Streets. The first lawyer was
Bancroft: first judge, John Cooper; first
doctors, Moreland and Reisswick; first post-
master, William Brien: first schoolmaster;
Isaac Holloway; first Sunday schoolman, D.
Bowen: first preachers, Carson and Painter,
first coopers, John and Peter Solt; first
carpenter, John Brown; first blacksmith,
Aquila Star: first tailor, Benjamin Dean;
first mason, Johuathan Cooper; first dyer,
Bush: first tanner, Henry Traugh: first
dentist, Yallershamp: first tinner, Hiram
Inman; first gunsmiths, Sleppy tfc Co.; first
wheelwright, James Evans: first silversmith,
Marshall: first milliner. Roxana Courtright;
first painter, Abel Dalby: first butcher,
Stackhouse; then Jonathan Cooper: first
weaver, Polly Mullen; first cabinet msker,
Samuel Herrin; first saddle and harness-
maker, Col. John Snyder: first lime burner,
John Jones.
Wm. Brien kept the first ferry. Tho first
bridge was built in 1814 by Theodore Burr,
it being carried away by a freshet 21 years
later. Its officers were A. Miller. Sr.. presi-
dent: John Brown, treasurer: managers,
Silas Engle, Thomas Bowman, Elisha Bar-
ton, Jr. After a few years a new bridge was
built, the State contributing SIO.OOO, and
this structure still stands. The contribution
on the part of the State was obtained through
the efforts of Jesse Bowman, who was dele-
gated to visit Harii^burg and urge the mat-
ter before the Eegislature. The bridge was
built by Eliphalet Edson andCharles Barrett.
Its cost was about 815,000. John Bowman
was presideni in 1837, when it was finished,
and until 1813. He was succeeded by his
brother.Jesse Bowman, who continued m of-
fice during his life. Others who helped the
enterprise through were S. F. Headley, J. T.
Beach, Dr. A. B. Wilson, Robert Smith and
Judge Mack.
8
THE HISTORIC VL RECORD.
In 1805 Bovoral Philadelphia capitalist)*
constructed the Ncscppeok turnpike. The
Tioga and Susquehanna turnpike was open-
ed in 1818, ; i t i r { the first stage lino was run
to Mauch Chunk by Andrew Shiner. The
first stage line between Wilkes-Barre and
Northumberland was run by the llorton
Brothers, and it antedated the above a num-
ber of years.
Evan Owen was squiro and settled all dis-
putes. Every bear killed was brought to
him and he divided it equally among the citi-
zens. He was succeeded as squire by Samuel
Herrin.
Columbia County was taken from Nor-
thumberland in 1814; Berwick was incor-
porated a borough in 1818.
The nearest mill was at Catawissa, 15
miles distant. Later the Rittenhouse mill, a
mile or two below town, and the Evans mill.
at Evansville, were built. Evan Owen built
a millalong the river intending to supply it
with water therefrom, but the scheme proved
a failure and was abandoned.
The first church was built by the Quakers,
a log building that stood where the brick
church now stands, they being the first de-
nomination to have a church; the second was
the Methodists, their original church being
the second brick structure built in the town:
it was abandoned to dwelling purposes, and
anew church was constructed in 1845; this
was displaced in 1870 by a more modern
edifice; the third church was built by the
Baptists in 1842. and the fourth by the Pres-
byterians in 1843, these congregations hav-
ing worshipped for many years in the Metho-
dist building.
•Water was first supplied from Foundry-
ville, and conducted through log pipes a
distance of two miles. The present water
works were built in 1848, the water being
raised a height of about 100 feet to a reser-
voir by means of a steam pump from a large
spring in the Susquehanna. Rev. J. H.
Young, Dr. A. B. Wilson, Jesse Bowman and
S. F. Headley were the prominent movers m
this enterprise.
The mails were carried by post fon horse-
back) and in 1800 Jonathan Hancock rode
post from Wilkes-Barre to Berwick. The
mail was carried once a week via Nanticoke,
Newport and Nescopeck to Berwick, return-
ing via Huntington and Plymouth.
The old academy was built in 1830 by
Thomas Connelly, supplanting the market
house in location and in its varied uses. A
few years ago it was demolished and its
space in Market Street given up to street
use, which was demanded, while a handsome
new school building has taken its place
further out Market Street. This change
took place in 1873.
Shad were seined by the wagon load and
a load could be obtained for a barrel of salt,
so scarce was this commodity. The best
shad sold for four cents. One was caught
weighing nine pounds. Butter broughl >ix
cents a pound and calico from thirty to fifty
cents a yard.
The residents did their washing at the river
and left their kettles along the shore the
yeai round.
The first children born were John and
Annie Brown, children of Robert. Annie
became the wife of Jesse Bowman. She was
the tirst person married in Berwick.
The Lackawanna & Bloomsburg RR. was
opened to Berwick in 1858.
The First National Bank was organized in
1864, with M. W. Jackson as president and
M. E. Jackson cashier,
The first fire engine was obtained in 1825.
A tire in the Jackson & Woodin works in
1857 destroyed it.
Berwick had its cannon, but little if any
thing has been seen or heard of it since the
firing of a salute on the return of the Mexi-
can soldier-, when through a premature dis-
charge Sam. Iddings lost an arm.
Drs. A. B. Wilson and Josiah Jackson be-
gan the practice of medicine in 1828. The
latter had a store connected with his office.
Drs. Beebe and Townsend were early prac-
titioners, as also Dr. Langdon, who was ren-
dered incapable to practice by dementia.
The tirst military company was organized
by Charles Snyder. Training days were a
great occasion, the battalion drills of in-
fantry,cavalry. etc., making an imposing mil-
itary display, to witne-s which the people in
all the country roundabout visited the town.
Ground was broken for the North Branch
Canal at Berwick, July 4th. 1828. Mr. Pews
had the contract for the Berwick section
and Nicholas Seybert for the section above.
There were fourteen drinking places in the
town during the building of the canal, and
pure whisky sold at 3 cents a dram. Packet
boats named the George Denison and Gert-
rude were launched by Miller Horton and A.
O. Chahoon in 1835.
The accident resulting from the several at-
tempts to navigate the Susquehanna, is still
remembered by some of our older residents.
The Godorus, a boat built at York, drawing
only 8 inches of water, made a successful
trip to Wilkes-Barre and as far north as
Binghamton in the spring of 182t>. A
second steamboat,the Susquehanna, built at
Baltimore, and drawing 14 inches, made the
next attempt. It reached the Berwick falls
May 3d. 1826. Rich pine wood was piled
under the boiler, a full head of steam raised
and the effort made to ascend t he rapids.
Bat the strain was too great and the boiler
burst with sad results. Five person- were
killed, two or three of whom are buried
in the Berwick Graveyard, and most
of the twenty who remained on the boat
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
wcro more or loss injured.
Berwick's newspaper record dates close
upon 1800, Win. Caruthers made the ini-
tial attempt with the Berwick Independent
American in 1812, he having started tho
paper some time previously in Nescopeck;
Daniel Bow.en issuedapaper in 1827, George
Mack in 1832, J. T. Davis in 1834, then
Wilbur & Joslyn, then Tate & Gangewer,
then B. F. Gilmore, then D. C. Kitchen,
then Pearce & Snyder, then J. M. Snyder,
then Tate & Irwin, the a AV. H. Hibbs, then
A. B. Tate, then J. S. Sanders.
M. W. Jackson and Judge Mack built a
foundry in 1840, which was run by horse
power. The firm changed to iicCurdy &>
Jackson, then to M. W. Jackson and in 1849
to Jackson & Woodin. In 1872 it became
the Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Co.,
and this year also the rolling mill addition
was made to the plant. The company has
done a successful business, making fortunes
for the several members, and it continues to
be an institution of considerable magnitude.
The Odd Fellows Society is one of the old
societies. It owns a handsome building
which was erected in 1867, and is a prosper-
ous organization with large membership.
James Pratt, a soldier of the revolution,
was one of the early residents.
Tho oldest tombstone in the grave-yard
bears the date 1804. There are buried in
the cemetery 2 soldiers of the revolution, 3
of tho war of 1812, 2 of the war of Mexico,
11 of the Rebellion.
The first cornet band was organized in
1841 by G. S. Tutton and led by J. M.
Snyder.
The telegraph was extended into the town
in 1850.
The above contains the main data com-
prising Berwick's earlier history, ^o effort
has been made to bring the record down to
the present, which is manifestly needless
when simply the earlier events are
intended to be dealt with. No preten-
sion to absolute correctness is assumed, as
after the lapse of so many years it is ex-
tremely difficult to fix dates, names and
events at all, to say nothing of the almost
impossible task of arrangement in chrono-
logical order or historic sequence with such
material as is at hand and the brief time that
could be allotted to the subject. In view of
the centennial celebration which takes place
on the 19th instant there will doubtless be at
least some degree of interest attached to its
perusal.
In 1805 the first animal show, an eleghant
exhibited in Wilkes-Barre. Everybody went
to see the "Jumbo" of the time.
In 1823 the first organ in the county was
placed in St. Stephen's church. Wilkes-Barre,
and the first tune played was Yankee Doodle.
] : i :k w j < ; K s <; i:nt i : n n i a i,.
A Great Outpouring of People- -The G.A.K.
Veterans Make a Very Creditable Dis-
play—Indifference on tlie I'arl of IM«
Ltx;il Management— Plenty of IMck-
pocltets.
[Special to Record.]
Berwick, Aug. 10.— When Evan Owens
came up from Philadelphia and founded the
town of Berwick a hundred years ago he
i robably had no conception of the great in-
pouring of people theiv would be on the
19th day of August in this year of our Lord
1886. To-day is a gala occasion for this
ancient, and well-preserved borough, and
residences vied with business places
in the elaborateness of their decora-
tions. Flags and streamers every-
where, masses of bunting, and at several
of tlui street intersections arches bearing
words of welcome. Some of the buildings
displayed old portraits and other relics of a
by-gone day. Beneath one arch was a paint-
ing of Berwick in 178(5, but as it represented
not log cabins, but a three-story mill, stone
arch bridge, a four-horse coach, and
other later accessories of Berwick life it is to
be feared the artist was not versed in the
antiquity of his town.
The crowds began pouring in at an early
hour, special excursion trains being run on
L. & B. and the Pennsylvania, by
the G. A. R. posts of Wilkes-Barre,
Seranton and other points. The Wilkes-
Barre and Pittston train consisted
of lt> crowded coaches. The Seranton ex-
cursion, over the L. tfc S. and the Pennsylva-
nia was belated by a cave-in near Moosic
and did not reach Berwick until the parade
was over. They were headed by Bauer's
band and had a very creditable narade of
their own, comprising Ezra Griffin Post,
Col. Monies Post and another band.
Really the only people who deserve much
credit are the members of the Five Counties
Veteran Association. They turned out in
full force but the local Centennial obser-
vance was almost a flat failure. There seems
to have been an utter lack of organization.
The crowd was here, five thousand visitors,
but there was nothing outside of the vete-
rans' display to entertain them — not even a
speech.
The parade was quite a creditable ono and
was mad3 up of veterans, Sons of Veterans,
Sons of America, fire companies and a band
of hostiles— from Shickshmny. The day was
a perfect one, though hot for the marchers,
particularly the older men, and the streets,
well, they were shoe deep with dust. The
chief marshal's duties were skillfully per-
formed by Col. A. D. Seely. The line was
headed by a trim company of well dressed
and well drilled boys, the Berwick Guards,
10
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
commanded by the voleran,Capt.Hoft. In the
the first carriages Francis Evans, a descend-
ant of the original settler, and his guests,
Gen. Edwin S. Osborne, Col. A. Wilson Nor-
ris and Dr. C. VI. Wilson. In theother car-
riages were Col. Laycock, Major John B.
Smith, Capt. Harry Gordon. Dr. W. R.
Longshore, Capt. Wren, Major MeKune, Hon.
Lewis Pughe and others. Ely Post and Keith
Post, of Wilkes-Barre, were in
strong force accompanied by the
excellent jnvenile drum corps.
There was also Capt. Ashcr Gaylord Post, of
Plymouth, Lape Post, of Xanticoko and rep-
re>entatives from otner posts. There was
also a numerous company of survivors
of Southern prisons. The expected
9th, 12d and 13th Regiments, N. G. P., did
not come. Shamokin, Harvey ville and Ber-
wick were represented by camps of Sons of
Veterans, Nanticoke and Seybertsvillo by
Sons of America, and Berwick by Odd Fel-
lows. Danville, Bloornsburg and Berwick
had some well equipped fire companies, and
Shickshinny sent a tribe of "Moeanaqua In-
dians," who took a prisoner, tortured him
and held up his reeking scalp before the hor-
rified multitude. Women who fainted could
be restored only upon learning that the In-
dians were only make-believes, that the
"prisoner" was a bald-headed man. that the
scalp was only a|wig,and that the hemorrhage
came from a bladder of blood under the
wig. The Mocanaquas are not really so
bloodthirsty as they seemed.
The parade terminated at the fair grounds,
where the visiting organizations were re-
paled with barrels of coffee, huge boxes of
sandwiches and gallons of pickles, dispensed
from the several buildings. The grounds
wrere alive with devices for fleecing the un-
wary, and hundreds of dollars found their
way into the pockets of the traveling sharps.
By this time, 1 and 2 o'clock, it was boiling
hot, and the crowds eagerly sought the cover
of the grand stands and whatever other
shade could be found. The populace were
disappointed at not hearing some addresses.
Neither Gen. Osborne nor Col. Norris were
brought out, as both were Republicans, and
there were no Democrats to offset them.
B.>th Hon. Charles R. Buckalew and Col. R.
B. Ricketts had been invited, but
were not present, so Osborne and
Norris were not called from their carriage.
The Veterans' Association held its annual
meeting in the judges' stand and elected
officers. For president, Capt. Harry M.
Gordon, of Plymouth, was succeeded by
James R, Ehret, of Pittston: Dr. C. H. Wil-
son, of Plymouth, as secretary, by Col. C.
K. Campbell, of Pittston and John Y. Wren,
of Plymouth, as treasurer, by Thomas Eng-
lish, of Pittston. The new vice presidents
elected were Major Post, of Shickshinny,
and C. B. Metzger, of Wilkea-Barro.
Brief addresses wore made by Mayor
MeKune, Capt. De Lacy, Capt. Gor-
don and Chaplain Stall. The veterans
were mostly from the First Army Corps, in
which Col. Norris has figured so promi-
nently of late, and mostof them were from
the 140th (Gen. Osborne's regiment) and
the 143d. A very pleasant informal recep-
tion was given Gen. Osborne at his carriage,
which was near the judges' stand, by hi^
comrades in arms. Several other corpswere
also represented. The next annual meeting
will be held in Pittston.
The addresses were much interfered with
by a game of ball a few yards awa>. con-
tested by the Berwick andHazleton clubs.
"PROVISO" WIIiMOT.
A Stranger Stumbles Over His ."Mother's
Forgotten Grave— Sketch of the Auti-
Slavery Democrat Who Studied Law iu
Wilkes-Barre.
A gravestone has been set up over a long-
forgotten grave in the old Bethany burying
ground, in Wayne County. The existence
of the grave was discovered some time ago
by a man who was walking through the
brier-choked burial place. He struck his
foot aLrain-t something in the weeds, and
on investigating found a weather-stained
headstone lying flat on the ground. He
raised it up and, scraping off the moss that
had grown upon it, ho deciphered the fol-
lowing inscription.
In Memory of
MARY,
Wife of Randall Wilmot,
Died Nov. 19, 1S20,
Aged 28 Years.
Randall Wilmot was the father and Mary
Wilmot the mother of David Wilmot, of
"Wilmot Proviso" fame. Randall Wilmot
kept a tavern at Bethany in 1814, and David
Wiiinot was born in the house on Jan. 20 of
that year. The tavern is still standing.
Randall Wilmot moved to the West in 1832.
after marrying a second wife. He and his
second wife are buried in Cortland, Ohio.
David Wilmot is buried at Towanda. Brad-
ford county. Citizens of Bethany have re-
placed the old tombstone at the head of his
soother's loug-uuknoA-n grave, and will
build an enclosure around it. — Honesdale
Independent.
"Dave"' Wilmot achieved a national repu-
tation by reason of his battle for human
rights, and the document which grew of it,
the famons "Wilmot Proviso." Wilmot
studied law in Wilkes-Barre, and at the age
Til K HISTORICAL RECORD.
11
of 30 received ihe unanimous nomination of
the Democracy in the Congressional district
embracing Bradford, Tioga and Susquehan-
na Counties. Ho was elected and took his
Beat at the opening of the 29th Congress in
December, 1845. The annexation of Texas,
which Mr. Wilmot, in unison with the Dem-
ocratic party of the North, had supported,
«eas consummated in 1845 arid was speedily
followed by war with Mexico. The Wilmot
Proviso provided that in anj territory
acquired from Mexico, neither slavery nor
involuntary servitude should ever exist ex-
cept for crime. The following year he was
unanimously nominated and elected and
was again nominated in 1850. At this junc-
ture the pro-slavery Democrats set about to
defeat him. Mr. Wilmot at once offered to
give way to any person who would represent
the principle for which he was con-
tending. Hon. Galusha A. Grow was
named by Mr. Wilmot as an accept-
able candidate and he was thereupon
elected, Mr. Wilmot being elected president
judge, a position held by him from 1851 to
1857. He resigned in the latter year, and
his anti-slavery principles having rendered
the Democracy distasteful to him. he em-
braced the principles of the opposition and
became the Republican candidate for Gov-
ernor of Pennsylvania though he was de-
feated by Win. F. Packer, it was claimed.
through the treachery of the KnowNothings.
Ho was restored to the bench by appointment
and again by election. In 1861 he wa= elect-
ed to the United States Senate to fill a
vacancy created by the selection of Gen.
Simon Cameron, as Secretary of War under
President Lincoln. He served two years in
the Senate and was succeeded by Hon.
Charles R. Buckalew. President Lincoln
appointed him a Judge of the Court of Claims
which office he held up to the time of his
death, at Towanda, March 1(3. 1868.
An exhaustive sketch of this distinguished
Pennsylvania!! appears in Mr. G. F. Hever-
ly's History of Towanda, recently published
by the Reporter-Journal, giving the
early history of the settlement and sketches
of the eminent men who have resided there.
In the Shickshinny Echo for Aug. 13 is
concluded the series of historical articles on
Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., by Mrs.
M. L. T. Hartman. It is the purpose of the
author to enlarge and re arrange the matter
for publication in book form. Mrs. Hart-
man has rendered her section of the county
a favor that might we!' find imitators in
every other township. Her work has been
painstaking and thorough and the volume as
a monument to her will be more enduring
than marble.
In 1708 Wilkes-Barre was the post office
tor the whole county.
SOMETHING ABOUT BRICKS.
How Much Easier They are Katie Now
Than in a Generation or Two Ago -
A WLlkes-liarre Vurd Turns Them Out
in Larger Quantities.
Sixty years is not a very long time, count-
ing in the life of a nation, and yet when we
consider the advancement made in all
branches of art and science, as well as the
commoner affairs of life within this period
of time, we can but wonder how our fathers
managed to exist in times of primitive
simplicity. The industry, for we cannot call
it art, of briekmaking, we know from history
was practiced almost from the dawn of
man's first advancement from mere animal
existence. The Egyptians at the time of the
Israelitish captivity made bricks by mixing
straw with the clay, but we presume they
were of t.he adobe type as made in Mexico
at the present time merely sun dried masses
of a foot wide and two feet in length, which
serve the purpose very weii in a dry climate
like Egypt or Mexico. Fine burned bricks
are found in the ruins of ancient Baby ton,
yet few of the houses are constructed of so
costly a material.
The art of brick-making in this country
has advanced very materially within the
memory of some of our older inhabitants. It
is still remembered by a few among us, the
time when it was a pretty serious undertak-
ing to make and burn a kiln of bricks.
The clay had to be dug out and heaped up
all v/ inter subject to the freezing process, in
order to properly disintegrate the clay: it was
then placed in a circular rjit to the depth of
a couple of feet, and in the spring two or
three pairs of oxen were turned inland driven
round and round like horses in a circus ring,
until the clay was reduced to the proper con-
sistence and fineness for moulding in a
double or single mould.
This, of course, was a slow process, and to
make even oO.oOO bricks was something of
an undertaking. Upon visiting the brick-
yards of Messrs. Dickover & Son on North
Washington street, a few days ago, we could
not help comparing their way of making
bricks with the old one, very much to the
advantage of the new. Now the clay may be
reposing in its bed where it has lain for
countless ages, in sheets like the leaves of a
book. Two stout Huns spade it out and
shovel it into a cart, after which it is
dumped at the mixing machine run by a
powerful stam engine. Two men here
shovel it into a hopoer, from which it falls
between two iron rolls running close to-
gether when it is crushed partially, and if
tnere happens to be any stones in it, as is
often the case, they are tossed out by an
Jron wheel standing at a right angle with
the rollers and having projecting
12
THE HISTORJCAL RECORD.
teeth in its external periphery. Ah the
crushed clay passes the rollers it falls on an
inclined conveyor, having just enough water
i'alliu^ from an icou pipe to moisten it to
the proper consistency. The, conveyor car-
ries it to the head of the grinder, where,
after a severe churning, it reaches a recepta-
cle at the bottom. A man stands in front
with a lot of eight-compartment moulds,
one of which he passes under the clay,
grasps a lever and gives a pull downward.
The clay is forced down ou the open mould
by a plunder attached to the engine. The
; mould slides out with eight well-formed
bricks and is immediately seized by a work-
man and placed upon a truck, which, when
loaded, is trundled off and dumped upon a
sanded floor to dry. It requires
the work of two laborers to carry
away the work of one moulder. By this
process 20,000 bricks are moulded oach
day when the weather will serve for drying
and the time required in its passage between
the clay pit and the drying iioor is not above
five minutes. In the burning of the bricks,
too, there is now a decided advantage over
the old process of wood burning. On our
visit there we saw a 240.000 kiln fairly
aglow with the heat from a number of small
furnaces of anthracite coal beneath the
arches. The burning was pretty nearly com-
pleted, and upon climbing to the ton of the
kiln and looking down into the cracks, we
saw the whole mass as read as a cherry and
pretty nearly ready for having the fire ex-
tinguished. It requires thirty tons of No. 3
coal to burn such a kiln, and when we con-
sider the price of coal at the schutes less
than $2, the cost per thousand for fuel is not
great. The senior member of the firm is an
old time bricklayer, who fifty years ago
handled the trowel here in Wilkes-Barre,
and he takes pride in showing his old friends
over the yard whenever they may choose to
give him a call. w. j.
Historical Notes.
The Bucks County Intelligencer for Aug.
14 contains an account of the Holcombe re-
union and historical meeting at Mount Airy,
Hunterdon County, N". J. Representatives
were present from several Xew England and
Eastern States, at least 700 connections of
the Holcombe family. Judson Holcombe,
of Bradford County, editor of the Bradford
Republican, Towanda, was one of the
speakers. He said he belonged to the
Yankee Holcombe stock which settled in Ul-
ster.Branf rod County. ou the New York line.in
178"). The ancestors of Ids line came wdth
their children to Pennsylvania, six sons and
two daughters, all of whom settled in Brad-
ford, with the exception of one boy, who
settled in Herkimer County, New York.
There were now residing in Bradford County,
besides those who had emigrated to different
sections of the country, some 300 Hol-
combes and their connections. In Brad-
ford they are scattered over J.> town-hips.
The speaker's father, Hugh Holcombe, was
a son of Eli, who came to Ulster in about
1785, at the age of lb'. He left his father to
cut hi^ way through a dense wilderness. He
and his brother took up about 300 acres of
land under what was known as the Connecti-
cut title, for S1.50 an acre. Finally there
came Pennsylvania claimants and they had
to pay for the laud a second time, -o that
ultimately their land cost them S3 per acre
originally. He then presented to the audi-
ence Alfred Holcombe, the oldest Holcombe
of Bradford County, now 84 years of age.
He lived on the old property, the ground
where the pioneer settlers of Bradford of the
Holcombe name in Bradford located.
The Doylestown Intelligencer of Aug. 14,
contains a paper on the Aboriginal Remains
in Durham and Vicinity, read by John A.
Ruth at the July meetiugof thf Bucks Ooun-
t> Historical Society. A most interesting
account, is given of the several finds. Men-
tion is made of an ancient jasper quarry
from which material was obtained for the
manufacture of stone implements. Among
them are found the stone hammers, which
are cobble stones with battered edges. The
author has 3,000 specimens of Indian imnle-
ments. About GO per cent, are made of
jasper, 30 per cent, of shale and the remain-
der of quartz, chalcedony, etc. The articles
comprise spear points, arrowheads, axes,
plummits, sinkers, amulets, hoes, pipes.
wedges. Amontr the collectors are Dr. J. S.
Johnson and Benj. Purcell. Kintnersville; C.
E. Hindenach, Durham: S. F. Wolf, Riegels-
ville. Articles are constantly being found.
The Media American. Chairman Thomas V.
Cooper's paper, publishes a series of mo>t
interesting sketches on local history, over
the siguature of "Steele Peune." The arti-
cle m the issue of July 28 was an account of
a Media paper of 1826, then the Upland
Union and contains many happy references
to village life 60 years ago. As usual with
papers of that day there was not a single
item of local news in the Union. The feature
of local news was reserved for a later gen-
eration.
The Doylestown Intelligencer for Aug. 10,
contains the paper on American Archaeology,
read before the Bucks County Historical
Society at its Julv meeting by Rev. Dr.
John P. Lundy, of Philadelphia. The sub-
ject is one of great interest and is treated in
a most scholarly manner, though not apply-
ing locally to Pennsylvania.
In 170'.) Anthracite coal was successfully
used by < Ibidiah Gore.
In 1752 there was not a white man's cabin
in the Wyoming Forest.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
13
HDWAIU) KM I 1. US LK CLEKC.
A Historical Poem on Wyoming Which
This Young Mexican Hero Wrote Over
40 Vim-; Ago and Head at a Dickinson
College Coinim n ccnic nt.
The Ri:coki> has been handed an old clip-
ping of a poem delivered at the commence-
ment exercises of Dickinson College, July
10, 1838, by Edward Emilias Le Clere.
There is nothing about the clipping to show-
date or name of paper but we learn from
Pearce's Annals of Luzerne that it was pub-
lished in the Wilkes-Barre Advocate* July
28, 1841.
Edward E. Le Clerc was the eldest son of
Joseph P. Le Clerc, whose family residence
was at the northeast corner of Union and
Franklin Street. After graduating from
Dickinson College lie studied law with his
brother-in-law, Jonathan J. Slocum. Soon
after his admission to the bar, war was de-
clared against Mexico, and in a short time
thereafter two regiments of volunteers were
called for as Pennsylvania's quota for the
conquest of our Sister Republic. TheWilkes-
Barre company under Capt. Dana at once
offered its service and was accepted. Le Clerc
was anxious to join the army under Gen.
Scott, and being offered the position of
lieutenant in a company being enlisted in
Columbia County, entered the service and
participated in nearly every engagement
from the taking of Vera Cruz to the final
assault on Chapultapoc at the National Capi-
tal. He returned with the soldiers when the
war was over, but broken in health, and pos-
sessing but a delicate constitution, did not
long survive the many hardships he had en-
dured while in the service. He possessed the
true noetic genius and had he lived to maturer
years might have shone more brightly in the
galaxy of the true poets of Wyoming Valley.
As none save our older citizens ever saw
the poem in print we take pleasure in repro-
ducing it:
'Twas morn—
A summer's morn in Wyoming;
And o'er her hills the god of day burst forth.
Clothed with the rosy timed dawn. Ami as
He yoked fast to their flaming car his tire
Encircled steeds; and as his crown of light
Peered forth from out a passing fleecy cloud.
All nature woke, and every instrument
Of praise she tuned, to warble sweetly forth
Her gladdest songs of love and joy to Him,
The bright eve of the universe.
Oh, 'twas
A glorious sight to look upon, to see
That lovely vale bathed in the morning light,
And glittering in its sheen, as Eden did
When Nature's self was young.
But then at eve— -
A calm and stilly eve, such as is found
In southern climes, where an eternal summer
Reigns, and brings to the sad heart a balm.
Then far beyond the reach of mortal ken
Is found the grandeur of the gorgeous teene.
For resting on the western mountain's tops,
Ah in a sea ol fold, the setting sun
Reclined, in soft and mellow sadness, grieving
As 'twere to bid tidieu, and leave thai vale.
Which he so much did love to smile upon.
And there reposed the lakes, forth sliadowing
Like silvered mirrors or like burnished gold,
The hills in whose embrace they lay. Beyond
Receding to the Last the lofty woods
And rocks sublime, the masonry of fxod,
Tinged by the bright beams of declining day,
Bore sportive semblance to the moonlit tower.
Or battlement by time and storm decayed.
So wondrous fair was then the beauty of
The spot, that language, yea, conception fails
Its loveliness to paint. It seemed the home
The mountain home, of some bright fairy elves—
The sporting place, at the dead noon of night
For their wild pranks of glee.
But there was too
A stream for beauty framed, in silver robed,
Which ever and. anon, while washing out
The mountain's craggy sides thai reared their
heads
Pine crowned, farabove, and in their arms
Circled that beauteous spot, like to a kind
And careful mother, who will permit no*
F.ven summer's spicy breeze, to blow too rude
Upon the placid forehead of her sleeping babe.
Then rushing onward to the mighty s<>a,
The mouldering relics of that noble race
Unearthed, who once unfettered, proud and free.
Roamed through that vale, ils lord.
But soon the scene was changed.
For o'er that beauteous spot the demon form
Of war did rush, and o'er that land devoted
The sable pinions of his wrath he spread
Shrouding in night the day star of their hopes,
And brooding deeds of death.
On ran the hours
And from a little fort, a hardy band
Passed out to battle, in numbers, few bat firm,
Determined either to make free the loved
Homes of their hearts, or perish in their gore.
On, on, they marched in silence and in doubt,
For they knew not the red men of the woods.
Nor e'en their crafty wiles, when leagued with
those
Fierce demons clad in human form, who recked
Not what thev did, but in the life blood of
Their friends their guilty hands imbrued, un-
moved
By conscience or by iove.
But as they slow
And cautiously, passed up the mountain's gorge.
Which seemed for scenes of horror formed and
blood.
The fatal whoop was heard, and in a moment
Down fell, like rain in April shower, each man's
Companion. No single form was seen, no sound
\Vas neard, save bounding, that unearthly yell,
From distant crag to crag, which echoing back
It more terrific made, its own discordant
Melody, and ere it died away, there came.
Another, longer, louder, bolder, more
Heart-rending sound, and with it flitted by
The seared and blighted vision of that band,
A thousand shadowy forms, and on they came
The deadly simoon of the desert like.—
That little force withstood the dreadful shock
Like brave men long ami well, till when by
strength.
And not by valor, overcome, they fled
Into the plain, and there surrounded by
Their treacherous foes, a scene of woe ensued
Such that ne'er mortal man or heart conceived,
11
77//; HISTORICAL UECOIW.
Bo full, so overflowing full was made
The measure of their misery. It seemed
As if the Almighty in his f. arfnl wrath
For some great crime had wreaked his vengeance
thurw.
There by the son was slain, him whom In- owed
His being; he who lo ig had dwelt secnr \
( 'in led in sweet and social intercourse
By friendship's golden chain, fell by that self
Same friend, and thus they fought and fell, till
left
Was scarcely one to tell the dreadful tale
Of cruelty and death
Hut one there was escaped,
Who having fled, upon the river's bank
Concealed himself: The.enemj pursued,
And one outstripped his fellows far, when like
Those blood-hounds, which in ancient times
would track
The steps of man, so sought the monster even
For human life, and pressing on a briery hedge
He paused- and he who lay there a foot-fall
Hearing, on the stranger looked. He looked
again
More closely. 'Twas his brother!
Springing from' out his hiding j dace, and pros-
trate
Falling at his brother's feet, he bade him
Spare him, to save turn from the torturing foe.
L'en from the Indian. Their earlier happier
hours
Recalled to mind tho?e halcyon days of sonl,
When they from pleasure's gurgling founts did
.. . s,'l5
Life's sparkling nectar. Rut 'twas all in vain,
P'or he who ran ins country or his home
Desert to espouse another foreign cause
For safety or ambition's sake, must needs
Lose all the kindlier feelings of his soul.
Thus was it now. for turning round, he said— ■
"I know thee not— wretch, dip as thou hast lived,
A rebel to thy king." And lifting up
His heavy battle ax, it dashed upon
His unoffending brother's head, who fell,
Breathed but a prayer, then struggled, groaned,
and died.
Oh, if there is one crime above the rest
That the Recording Angel in his book
Marks with a blacker, more eternal seal—
If there's a sin o'er which kind mercy sheds
More bitter tears, 'tis that of fratricide.
Oh' horrible— it is most horrible
To see those who have lived and loved together —
Received their infant thoughts and strength from
out
The same maternal breast, and those who »wned
The same dear bond of kindred and of love.
Turn to be enemies, and if the God
Of Heaven will more enduring, damning fires
Gall down on any one of his offenders,
'Twill be on him who slays ids brother.
But now
'Twas night, and shooting up into the gloom
Were streams of flame, and bright sparks flew
around,
Like stars from heaven falling. For there was
now
The savage conqueror, who having glutted
Full his black heart with human gore, now
sought
To devastate that lovely vale. And. on
They came, silent and terrible, silent
As if they were the shadowy forms of those
Inhabiting deatlv's charnel house: terrible
As is the voice of God, when mighty thunders
Roar in their avenging ire. Still on
They came, and desolation marked their path—
Noi age, Dor Rex was spared, nor e'en the 1 aunts
Of men, bul 'hen a universal storm
Of lire, blasted each verdant field; consumed
Kach resting place, and e'en the : -mples i *
The living (tod d»-st roved: and thus thej swept
Along, till all that vale was rendered such
A miserable, heart rending scene, that when
The mornintr sun rose up, in clouds he veile I #
His face, with all the trappings of deep woe
He clothed himself; for storm- and darkness
round
Him hung, mourning as parents would for some
Young lovely child, or friend for friend, at this
Loved vale's destruction.—
Year- have
Passed on, and yet no monumental stone
Endless and aged, rearing its loftj front
To heaven, and blazoning forth toall the earth
The mighty object of its rise, now marks
The spot where sleep that chosen band, though
not
Unhonored and unwept, still to the world
Unknown. — Hut there a simple grassv mound
Of earth, wherein the dust-formed reJicslay
Of that true-hearted few, is now the sole
Remembrancer of Fair Wyoming's Dead.
Relics of Frances Slocuuo.
[Chicago Times. |
A number of very curious Indian relics
have jnst been unearthed in Wabash County,
Ind. They have been in possession of mem-
bers of the Miami tribe of Indians, to whom
alone their existence was known. Amoug
them is the cross worn by Frances Slocum.
the famous female captive, who. with.
a very few other whites, escaped alive
in the Wyoming massacre. The cross
is eleven and one-half inches long
and seven inches wide, and is of solid
silver, it has been in the Mainii tribe for
more than a century. A medal presented to
the Wyandotte tribe by George Washington
and afterward presented by the Wyandotte
chieftain to William Peconda, a Miami, has
also been discovered. This medal, also of
silver, is oblong in form, measuring seven
by five inches. On one side occurs the words:
"George Wa&hington, President,'' and a
medallion representing an Indian holding
the pipe of peace to a colonist, while a toma-
hawk is carlessly thrown aside. In the back
ground is seen a pioneer at the plow. On
the reverse is seen the coat of arms of the
United States. An offer of $500 has been
refused for this medal. Another medal, cir-
cular in form and t>vo and one-half inches
in diameter is also held by a Miami. A
pipe and a tomahawk, with the words "Peace
and Friendship. A. Jackson, President,
18'2fV' are shown on one side, while two
hands ciasped ornament the reverse, The
relics are regarded with great veneration by
the Indians and unfeigned curiositj by the
whites, and nothing can induce the red nun
to part with their treasures.
;'///•; HISTORICAL RECORD.
Karly Newspapers in Wilkes-Barre.
An article in the Record made up from
the Wilkes-Barre Gleaner of L811 elicited an
interesting letter from Judge Chapman, of
Montrose, published in the Independent Re-
publican and copied into the Record. Wm.
P. Miner. Esq., of Wilkes-Barre, then ad-
dressed the following letter to the Independ-
ent, which the Record takes pleasure in re-
producing:
Friend Taylor: Please say to our friend
"C," who comments in the Independent Re-
publican, of July 26, on "Notes from an Old
Newspaper," that Asher Miner established
the Luzerne Con nty Federalist on the first
Monday in January, 1801. In Number
XLIV., of the October following, the word
'•County" was omitted, and in April 26,
1802, it Was announced that "this paper will
be hereafter published by A, & C. Miner."
May 1, 1804, the partnership was dissolved
and Asher Miner removed to Doyle-town.
where he published The Correspondent for
twenty years. The Bucks County Intelli-
gencer retains at the head of its columns,
"Established by Asher Miner in 1804."
The Federalist succeeded, the Wilkes-Barre
Gazette, owned by Thomas Wright, and
published by his second son, Josiah, who
announced, Dec. 8, 1800. "That several of
his subscribers had been deceived by false
reports that the Gazette was no longer to be
continued, but that it was to be given up in
favor of the Federalist" "It has been sug-
gested that some zealous Federalist must
have fabricated and propagated the malici-
ous falsehood."
The difficulty between the Wrights and.
the Miners must have been amicably settled,
as Asher Miner married .Mary, th*» only
daughter of Thomas Wright, the proprietor,
and Charles married Letitia, only daughter
of Josiah. publisher of the Gazette, and re-
mained sole proprietor of the Federalist
until Friday. May 12, 1809, when it passed
into the charge of Sidney Tracy and Steuben
Butler. Mr. Miner wrote:
"The talents, integrity and application of the
young gentlemen who succeed me, are a pledge
to the public that the paper will be improved
under their superintendence."
Mr. Tracy retired Sept. 2, 1810, Mr. Butler
retaining sole control for a few weeks.
Dec. 28, 1810, a prospectus was published
for a newspaper to be called The Gleaner
and Lv:ze)HieAdvertiser,vfhic\\ was published
by Miner A: Butler. Sidney and Steuben had
been apprentices in the Federalist office, and
their names were household words in the
family of Mr. Miner. Between the master
and the boys there had been confidence and
respect, reciprocal and sincere, which lasted
through life.
Jan. 29, 1813, Mr. Butler retired, and Mr.
Miner coutinued the publication until June
14, 1816, when "C's" uncle, Isaac A. I
man, became proprietor. On retiring, Mr.
Aimer thus wrote to the patron? of the
Gleaner:
" I he beginning of t ho week 1 disposed of the
(rUeuiwr. On .Saturday [leave Wilkes-Burre foi
Philadelphia to aid Mr. Stiles (with whom i have
formed a partnership) in the management of the
True American. My successor. Mr. ( hapman, is
too well known to need recommendation, Ele is
intelligent, studious, iissiduous to please, well
versed in the Mineral politics of the county, and
minutely acquainted with tin' local interests of
Luzerne and neighboring counties. With • I -
ments of affection and respect, 1 am. and shall
ever continue bound to you till my heart isas
coldas the th.ds of the valley. ■
Charles Minkr.
-June G, 1817, Patrick Hepburn joined Mr.
Chapman, and Sept. 25th became sole pro-
prietor.
Mr. Miner, not satisfied with life in the
city, left the True American, and declining
an offer from Mr. Bronson, of an interest in
the United States Gazette, purchased the es-
tablishment of the Chester and Deluware
Federalist, at West Chester, twenty miles
west from Philadelphia, and founded the
Village Record, which he conducted success-
fully alone until 1825. June 29th the fol-
lowing notice appeared:
"TIk- public is respectfully informed that a
partnership has been entered into between Asher
Minor and Charles Miner, and diat the fill aye
Jitcord will, from the beginning of July, be
published by the firm. Asher Miner is well
known to the public, having edited and publisl -
ed the Doylestown Corf'spund*. at for 20 ji ..r-. '
Charles returned to Wyoming in 1832.
Asher followed on disposal of the paper in
1834, when it was sold to Henry S. Evans,
Esq., who had graduated, after apprentice-
ship and employment in the Record office,
which secured him such entire confidence
that he was invited to purchase and left to
earn the money and make payments at ids
convenience. A confidence well placed,
since the Village Record is still published
and prospering under tin- management of
the sons of Mr. Evans. m.
Wilkes-Barre, Aug. 5, 1830.
Death of L. W, Stewart.
[Daily Reeoid, August 20.]
About 5-30 ptn., August 19, Fee W.
Stewart died at his residence in Shickshinny,
aged about 65 years. Fie was a son of Laz-
arus Stewart, a. great-grandson of Lazarus
Stewart, a native of Scotland who came to
this country and settled in Lancaster county
in 1720. Capt. Lazarus Stewart, Lee's
grand-father, lived on the fiats just below
Wilkes-Barre in a bl:>ck house and was killed
at the head of his company in the Wyoming
massacre. 'Lee Stewart lived in Wil ies-
Barre np to within about 20 years ago when
he moved down to Shickshinny. He subse-
10
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
'
qnently went on a farm just below Mocan-
aqua. When in Wilkes-Barre he followed
the occupation ol a wagonmaker. In late
years he has devoted much of his land and
time to the raising of strawberries in which
he was ver> successful and made considerable
money. He leaves a wife and two children,
a son, Walter, about 30 years, and a daugh-
ter who is married and lives in Chicago, fie
was a member of Lodge 61, F. & A. M. The
funeral will take place Sunday. The train
wiil leave Mocanaqua 11:01 am. and the re-
mains will be taken off at Butzbach's land-
ing, the interment to be made in Hanover
cemetery.
How Ira Tripp was Made Colonel.
A Providence correspondent of the Scran-
ton Republican, ( presumably Dr. Hollis-
ter,) gives the following pleasant reminis-
cence in the issue of Aug. 20 :
Just forty years ago Ira Tripp was made
colonel. At this time Lewis S. Watres, a
large lumber dealer and a justice of the
peace, lived in the sunny nook on the Lack-
awanna, known as Mount Vernon then, but
now called Winton, a popular and thrifty
citizen, a genial fellow full of hospitality
and fun, and a Whig in politics. For many
years he slashed into the forest on the moun-
tain and sawed the pine logs into lumber
which he sold to an Eilandville company of
New York for 88 and 810 per thousand, now
worth S60. The sawmill and a single house
beside his own made up the place.
In the spring oi* that year Mr. Watres re-
ceived from Harrisburg a commission as
colonel for Ira Tripp. At this time the only
colonel living in the upper end of Luzerne
was Colonel Darte of Carbondale. The com-
mission was sent to Watres as he was the only
prominent man in Blakely township, and.
besides this it was at his suggestion that the
title was given. Esquire Watrts drove down
the valley to Tripp to deliver the document,
in company witli the writer in the spring of
1846. We found Ira in the field ploughing
in his shirt sleeves. When the object of our
visit was made known to him he was greatly
surprised. He stopped Ins team, invited us
into his house and regaled us with whisky,
cake and cigars and this ended the matter.
No newspapers were printed in the county
between Wikes-Barre and Carbondale, con-
sequently the affair was known but by fe v.
MARRIAGES.
A handsome memorial volume has been
published at Harrisburg, bearing this title:
The Bowman Family. A Historical and Me-
morial Volume. By Rev. Dr. S. L. Bowman and
Rev. 0. B.Youn*;. Harrisburg 1885: Publish-
ing Department M. E. Book Room.
It is privately printed for distribution
within the Bowman family and comprises
268 pages.
Benedict— Williams.— In Pitt-ton, Sept.
2, by Rev. D. C. Olinstead, Thomas Benedict
and Mis- Anna L. Williams, both of Pittston.
Chemberlin —Adams. — In Binghamton,
Aug. 31, bv Rev. R. G. Quennell, J. E.
Chemberlin, of Pitt; ton, and Miss Jennie
Adams, of Binghamton, N. Y.
Hemmebsley — Eckbote — In Camden, N.
J.. Sept. 5, John Hemmersley and Miss
Dora Eckrote, both of Conyngham.
Rleckner — Stiles. — In Bloomsbnrg, Sept.
2, George Kleckner, of Nanticoke, and Miss
Emma Stiles, of Bloomsburg.
Roai — Tybbell — In Kingston, Sept. 8, by
Rev. A. Griffin, E. C. Roat and Miss Jennie
Tyrrell both of Kingston.
Stbouse— Obb.— In Phillipsburg, N. J.,
Aug, 26, "William Or and Miss Ella Strouse,
both of Sandy Run.
Thomas— Ellis— In Wilkes-Barre, Sept. 3,
by Alderman Wesley Johnson, Daniel
Thomas and Miss Jane Ellis both of Kings-
ton.
Tbumboweb — Richabt— In West Pittston,
Sept. 8, by Rev. D. Stroud, Charles Trum-
bower and Miss Jessie Richart both of West
Pittston.
DEATHS
29, Samuel
11, Patrick
6,
Cole. — In Shickshiny, Aug,
Cole, aged 84 years.
Duffy. — In Pittston, Aug.
Duffy, aged 61 years.
Gillespie — In Port Griffith, Sept
Patrick Gillespie, aged 48 years.
Harvey. — In Bear Cre^k, Amanda Laning,
wife of William J. Harvey.
Llewellyn.— In Pittston, Sept. 3, John
R. Llewellyn, aged 46 years.
McDowall. — In Pittston, Sept. 2, John
McDowall, aged 19 years.
McCoy.— At Drifton, Aug. 23, Daniel Mc-
Coy, aged about 70 years.
Moran. — At Freeiand, Sept. 1, Thomas,
son of John Moran, aged 11 years.
Owens. — In Hamtown, Sept. 6, Hannorah,
wife of James Owens aged 53 years.
Patterson. — At Jeddo, Aug. 26, John W.
Patterson, aged 20 years.
Rorertson — In Hooney Brook, Sept. 6,
Mrs. Ann Robertson, aged 7? years.
Shales.— In Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 5, Nathan,
son of Lewis S. Shales, aged 8 years and 7
months.
Shiyely. — In Scranton, Sept. 4, Sylvester
Shively, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, aged 51
years.
Witman. — In Hanover Township, Sept. 4,
Mrs. Samuel Witman, aged 63 years.
W^andel.— In Plymouth, Aug. 25, Wesley
G. Wandel, atred 40 year6.
Williams.— At Drifton, Aug. 30, Margaret
wife of John D. Williams, aged 46 years.
V "W
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, MDCCCLXXXVI
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Vol. I. OCTOBER, 1886. No. 2.
Page . COUtCIlte
17 The Family of Capt Lazarus Stewart W. H. Egle, M.D.
iS Cleveland-Folsom Genealogy .W. H. Egle. M.D.
1 8 Death of Mrs. Andrew Raub
19 Death of Thomas W. Robinson
20 Stephen Brule.. W. H. EGLE, M.D.
2 1 Poetry of Wyoming Valley
22 Pennsylvania vs Connecticut Hon. STEUBEN JENKINS.
23 Bassett Fam ily Re-Union -
23 The Redemptioners G. H. R. Plume.
24 Indian Paint Stones
24 The Plumb Family
25 Proceedings Wyoming Historical Society
26 Luzerne County Centennial
28 Reminiscences of Wilkes-Barre Rev. BOSTWTCK HAWLE^
29 A Historic Apple Tree
29 Death of Anthony Good
30 Frances Sic cam's Relics
31 Text-Books of the Old Academy...
32 Meaning of Susquehanna.
32 Sheep Raising. ..... = ..
32 An Old War Song -
33 Sam Wright
33 A Liar of the last Century -
34 Centennial c'i Luzerne Count}'
35 Luzerne County Post Offices
36 A Suppose d Meteorite
36 An Historic Log Chapel
37 Another Sullivan Expedition Journal
38 Waken Berwick was Founded ...Hux. STEUBEN JENKINS
39 The Oid Hollenback House
39 The Old Wilkes-Barre Academy _
40 Rev. Dr. Chas. D. Cooper
40 Book Notices
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Price 85, oloth bound, Kilt top, uncut edge.
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TTISTORY of HA NOV Eli TO WNSHIP,
J I 1N
LUZERNE COUNTY, PENN'A.,
INCLUDING
sugar notch, ashley and nanticoke
boroughs,
*ND ALSO K
HISTOKY OF WYOMING ^ 1LLEY,
HENRY BLACKMAN PLUMB,
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ISTORICAL MAGAZINE BINDERY.
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Vol. I.
OCOTBER, 1886.
No. 2.
The Family of Capt. Lazarus Stewart.
[Contributed by Dr. W. H. Egle, Harrisburg.]
In the Recoed's notice of the death of Lee
W. Stewart, of Shickshin»y, tt is stated that
"ho was a son of Lazarus Stewart, a great
grandson of Lazarus Stewart, native of Scot-
land, who came to this country and settled
in Lancaster County in 1729," and also that
"Capt. Lazarus Stewart was Lee's grand-
father." I naturally turned to my notes of
that family and also to Mr. Plumb's very
valuable History of Hanover Township. As
1 hope to complete a genealogical record of
this family for a second volume of Pennsyl-
vania Genealogies, and in the hope of ob-
taining additional information, I beg leave
to present the following contributions:
Lazabus Stewakt, the first emigrant,
came with his family from the north of Ire-
land to America, in 1729. The same year
he settled on a tract of land "situate on
Swahatawro Creek," in afterwards Hanover
Township, Lancaster Co. With the aid of
two Redemptioners, whose passages were
paid by him, he built within that and the
two years following a house and barn,
cleared twenty odd acres of arable land ana
planted an orchard. He died about 1744.
His farm was a long time in dispute, owing
to the fact that the warrant never having
been issued, his son Lazarus took out a war-
ranter the same land. After the death of
the first Lazarus' wife, a suit was brought
by William Stewart, eldest son of John
Stewart, for the recovery of his share in his
grandfather's estate. A distribution was
made in 1785, and it is from this that we
have the foundation for the record here
given. Mr. Plumb states that the first
Lazarws Stewart had children, Robert and
Alexander, Capt. Lazarus Stewart being trie
son of the former. According to my authori-
ty, which is the original records in the set-
tlement of the estate, his children were as
follows:
i. John; m. Frances .
it. Margaret; m. James Stewart.
iii. Margerg ;mJohnYoxmg,a.ni} left issue
iv. Lazarus; who m. and left issue;
nothing further known of him: probably re-
moved to Western Pennsylvania, as a Laz-
rmiH Stewart was a sheriff of Allegheny
County about the close of last century.
v. Peter; prior to 17G0 removed to North
Carolina.
vi. James; removed with Ins brother to
North Carolina.
rii. David; m. and removed to North Car-
olina.
John Stewart, eldest son of Lazarus
Stewart, d. April 8, 1777, in Hanover Town-
ship, Lancaster Co., aged about 65 3 ears.
His wife, Frances , d. November 1U,
1790. Their children were as follows:
i. William; m. Mary .
ii, Lazarus; in. Dorcas Hopkins.
iii. George; m. Rebecca Fleming.
iv. James; m. Margaret .
r. JoJin; m. Margaret Stewart.
vi. Mary; m. George Espy.
mi. Jane; m. Armstrong.
Mr. Plumb gives the 2d, 3d and Gth as
children of Alexander Stewart.
Margaret Stewart, eldest daughter of Laz-
arus Stewart, senior, married James Stewart,
of Hanover, a cousin or second cousin.
Their children were:
i. Charles; b. about 1732: m. and left issue.
ii. Lazarus; b. about 1734; the "Faxtang
Ranger," Capt. Lazarus Stewart; m. Martha
Espy.
Hi. James; b. about 1737; m. Priscilla
Espy: and had one son, Lazarus. Priscilla
Espy Stewart, when a widow, married Capt.
Andrew Lee. From Lazarus, the son of
James, comes Lee W.Stewart, lately deceased.
Capt. Lazarus Stewart, (son of Margaret
Stewart and James Stewart, ) who fell in that
doleful massacre of July 3, 1778, m. Martha
Espy. Of their children, the nformation
which follows was received from Hon.
Stewart Pearce, author of the "Annals of
Luzerne County," a year prior to his death,
Oct. 13, 1882. He writes:
"Enclosed I send you all 1 know about
Capt. Stewart's descendants. Resoecting
himself see "Annals of Luzerne." The date
of his death in that book is wrong. He was
born in 1733, and married Martha Espy,
whose lather lived in Lancaster, now Dauphin
County. I do not know the date of his
children's birth or death.
"Their son James Stewakt married Han-
nah Jameson, whose children were Martha,
married Abram Toller; Frances, married
Benjamin A. Bidlack; Abigail, married
Abraham Thomas; Caroline, married Rev.
Morgan Sherman; Lazarus and Mary, who
both died single. My father. Rev. Marma-
dake Pearce, married James Stewart's widow
18
'.nib: HISTORICAL RECORD.
and had three children, Stewart, Cromwell
and John. My father named me in honorof
my mother's lirst husband.
"Elizabeth Stkwaui married Alexander
Jameson, whose children were William, who
m.MargaretHenry;/.V><'/7, whod. unmarried;
Minerva., who m. Dr. A. B. Wilson; Eliza-
beth, who m. Rev, Francis Macartney; Mar-
tha, who d. recently unmarried.
"Jo^iau Stewabt in. Mercy Chapman,
removed to Western New York at an early
day, but I have not been able to trace him
out. He had two daughters, one nameJ
Hannah, the name of the other I do not
know.
"Mahy Stewart m. Rev. Andrew Gray.
Mr. Gray was born in County Down, Ire-
land, Jan. 1, 1757, d. Aug. 13, 1839. He
lived in Paxtangand came to Wyoming, and
settled in Hanover, where he preached. He
was a Presbyterian. He removed to West-
ern Ne»v York, was a missionary several
year*, among the Seneca Indians, and final-
ly settled at Dansville, Livingston county,
N. Y. His children were James, m. Rebec-
ca Roberts: Margaret, m. Richard Gillespie;
Jane, m. Daniel Gallatin; WiViani, d. un-
married; Andrew, left home young and was
never heard from; Maria, m. James Jack;
Martha, d. unmarried: Elizabeth, m. Robert
Ferine. I received this information respect-
ing Gray's family from Mrs. Jane Knappen-
barg, a daughter of Martha Gray Gillespie.
Mrs. K. resides at Dansville, N. Y.
'.'PsisciiiiiA Stewakt, m. Joseph Avery
Rathbun, who also settled in 'Western Mew
York. Their children were John, Lazarus,
Joseph. They all married and have descen-
dants at or near Almond. N. Y.
"Makgaret Stewart in-. James Campbell.
They both lived and died in Hanover Town-
ship, Luzerne County. Their children were
James &., who died unmarried: Martha,
n ho m. James S. Lee; Mary, who m.
Jameson Harvey: Peggy, who m.
James Dilley. There are several descend-
ants—Lees, Harvey s and Dil'ie}s— residing
in the Wyoming Valley.
"Martha Stewart, d. unmarried.
'T advertised in western New York papers
for information respecting the Grays, Rath-
buns and Josiah Stewart. The} all have
descendants living there now, but I could
not find out anything about Josiah Stewart's
family any furth-v than what I have stated."
I may add to this already too lengthy com-
munication that 1 shall be very glad to re-
ceive inrormation relating to this family of
Stewarts. William H. Egle.
land, the father of President Cleveland, de-
scended from Aaron (1), Aaron (2), Aaron
(3), son of Mo>es Cleveland, the first Ameri-
can ancestor. Deacon William Cleveland
married Margaret Falley, who descended
from Luke Hitchcock (1639), through Mar-
garet Hitchcock, who married Samuel Falley.
Their son, Rev. Richard Falley Cleveland,
m. Anne Neal, of Baltimore, 1829, and had
issue:
i. Anne Neal, in. Rev. Erotas P. Hastings.
ii. Rev. W illiam Neale, in. Anne Thomas.
Hi. Mara Allen; m. William E. Hoyt.
iv. Richard Cecil; died without issue.
v. Stephen Grorer; b. at Caldwell, N.
Y., March 18. lt<37: m. June 2, 1886,
Frauces, daughter of Oscar Folsom, descen-
dant in the eight generation from John Fol-
som, who came to America in IC-h ).
pi. Margaret Louisa; m. Norval B. Bacon.
vii. J .e wis Frederick: died without issue.
viii. Susan SojjJiia; m. Hon. Lucien T.
Yeoman.
ix. Rose Elizabeth; b. June 13, 1848;
unmarried.
Both the President and his wife are de-
scendants of a long line of clergymen of the
Presbyterian faith.
The Cleveland -Folsom Genealogy.
Iu Dr. Egle's Notes and Queries in the
Harrisburg Telegraph is given th<"> ancestry
of President Cleveland, and incidentally of
his spouse. It is that Deacon William Clove-
A Great-<ire;it Grandmother Dead.
Nearly a century ago, or to be more exact,
on the 19th day of May, 1791, there was
born in Greenwich, N. J., Moriah Arnold.
The child grew to womanhood, married An-
drew Raub, became a mother, then a grand-
mother, later a great-grandmother, and
finally a great-great-grandmother — a dignity
which attaches to but a very favored few.
She lived a happy nd useful life, shedding
sunlight into hundreds of homes, minister-
ing to the sick and bestowing alms upon the
poor and leaving her children and theirs the
benediction of a lovely life, she passed from
earth Wednesday, Aug. IS at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Addison Church, in Luzerne
Borons h.
"Aunt Moriah" was what she was called
the country round, .'.nd a host of warm and
loving friends she had. She married at her
native town when 23 years old. and three
years later came to the Wyoming Valley,
where she was to spend t?9 years amid peace
and plenty. Her husband came first to
Wyoming Valley in 1810 to visit his friend,
John Sharps' (father of the late Jacob
Sharps), who was also from the same Jersev
town as himself. Mr. Raub was wont to tell
his children ever afterward- about that visit,
for it was during the cold summer of 181b1 —
a year when every mouth had its frost. He
used to say that in June there was a snow-
storm which bore heavily upon the wheat,
then in bloom: that many of the farmers
tool; clothes-Hues and scraped the snow
from the bending grain; that those who did
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Hi
this lost their crops, while the ones who
trusted to nature had no harm come to
their grain; and that when the harvest
finally came the farm hands went to the
fields wearing their great-coats.
Notwithstanding the inclement weather
Mr. ]lauh determined to make his home in
this beautiful valley and hebrousrht Ids wife
the following year and purchased a farm in
Kingston Township. On this snot he and
his good wife lived 45 years, until his demise
in 1802. and she has never lived more than a
mile distant from the original home. Mrs.
Raub drank from the same spring during all
these 09 years and it still vields refreshment
to the families of Samuel Raub and Addi-on
Church. During the last dozen years, when
the infirmities of age came upon her, Mrs.
Raub lived with her daughter, Mrs. Charch,
who lovingly and patieutly ministered to her
every want. A year ago last March she
made a mis-step while walking across her
bedroom floor and sustained a fracture, of
the hip, as a result of wnich she took to her
bed and never left it. Her decline was then
rapid. As her bodily powers became weak
her mind lost its viuor and became dim.
The sunshine gave way to mental
torpor and the once active mem-
ory became almost a blank.
Thus she sank peacefully and painlessly
into her iast sleep of earth. During life she
was warmly attached to the Presbyterian
Church, of which, she was a communicant.
and in the consolation of its doctrine she
passed from earth without a murmur.
Her surviving children are: Nancy, wife
of James Atherton, Osceola, Pa.: Mrs. Sur-
renda Mathers, Luzerne: Andrew Raub,
Dallas; Samuel Raub, Luzerne: Mrs. Martha
Bonham, Luzerne: Mrs. Mary Bonham, Elk-
land, Tioga County; Mrs. Addison Church,
Luzerne.
Mrs. Andrew Raub, was buried on
Friday afternoon from the residence of
her grandson, Addison Church, in Luzerne
Borough. Services were held at the house
at 3 pm.} Revs. H. H. Welles and E. Hazard
Snowden officiating. An appropriate hymn
was also sung by some of the ladies present.
The gathering of friends and relatives was
very large, and a long cortege of carriages
followed the remains to their last resting
place in Forty Fort Cemetery. Brief ser-
vices were also held at the grave. The fol-
lowing, all of whom are grandsons of the
deceased, acted as pall bearers: J. W. Bon-
ham, W. S. Bonham, Edgar E. Raub,
Thomas R. Atherton, Andrew R. Mathers
and Andrew G. Raub.
In 1767 the first church bell rang in a
Moravian church at Wyalusing.
In 1770 the first house built in Pittston, a
*og building, was erected by Zebulou Marey.
AN AGED MASON'S DEATH.
Thomas \V. Robinson Dies in this City at
the Ripe Old Aco of H'.i Years— Sketch
of liis Life.
Thomas Walter Robinson, died at his resi-
dence, corner of Union and Franklin Streets,
at an early hour Tuesday, Aug. 12, sur-
rounded by his sous and daughters, all save
his son William, now advanced in years and
living in the tar West, being present at his
bedside. The deceased for a year or more
has been a sufferer from diabetes in a mild
form, but until within the last month or so
has kept up, being aide to attend to his
duties of tipstaff in the County Courts al-
most to the end.
Mr. Robinson was born in Yorkshire, Eng-
land, in January. 1803, where he was mar-
ried at the age of 19 to Miss Martha Todd,
and with his young wife soon after emigrated
to this country, lie arrived in Wilkes-Barre
in about 1828, where lie obtained employ-
ment with .Judge Matthias Hollenback, who
kept a store at tho corner of River and Ma-
ket Streets, where J. id. Swojer's office now
is, and was also engaged in the milling busi-
ness. Judge Hollenback died in 1820. but
Mr. Robinson still continued with his son,
George M., for several years. His principal
duties were to attend about the store and
drive a team for carting flour from the stone
mill to Carbondaie at the starting up of coal
miniug there. After working for Mr. Hollen-
back for a time he rented the oil and plaster
mill of his employer situate in Hartsuff's
Hollow, now Luzerne Borough, which he
onerated for a few years, and having saved
up enough money to carry him to the far
West soon after the close of the Black Hawk
war, in 1832 or 1833, emigrated to Illinois
and settled on Indian River, about thirty
miles from Chicago, which at that time was
merely a trading post; and land anywhere
half a mile away from old Port Dearborn
could be entered* at Government x»rice, SI. 25
per acre.
While living on Indian River, where he
had charge of a stage route to Galena, his
wife sickened and died, and he with his two
children, a girl and a boy, hi-; son William,
now living West, and his daughter, widow of
the late "Thomas Goucher, returned to
Wilkes-Barre. After his return, for his sec-
ond wife he married Emeline Hotchkiss,
daughter of George Hotchkiss, who is now
his surviving widow at near 75 years of age.
He was engaged in various business enter-
prises, and while in the employ of George M.
Hollenback ran the first boat load of coal
that ever went from the Wyoming mines to
Philadelphia; this was transported in what
was called a Union Canal boat, passing
down the Pennsylvania Canal to Middletown
and thence crossing over by the Union Canal
20
THE HISTORICAL REVO III).
to the Schuylkill at Reading, and thence
down to Philadelphia. These Union boats
were only of about twenty or twenty-five
tons capacity, and the coal was delivered to
Jordan & Brother, after which the boat
brought a return freight of groceries to Mr.
Hollenback's store.
After a tew years sojourn here lie again
left for the West, going this time to St.
Louis, but was again forced to return on ac-
count of sickness in his family. Since his
second return he has been principally en-
gaged in the confectionery and baking busi-
ness in this city, in Kingston, in Pittston
and in Hazleton. At one time lie kept a
place of entertainment on the southwest side
of Public Square, which was a favorite re-
sort and headquarters of the famous Mug-
gletonian Society, composed of young men
of that day of festive and convivial habits.
For the last ten or more years he has
served as tipstaff in the county courts, and
also as tyier and guardian of the outer door
of the temple for the various Masonic lodges.
Of this latter duty he was relieved a couple
of years ago by leason of his failing strength,
but the lodge kindly continued his salary
as such while another performed the duty.
He was one of the oldest members of Xo. 61,
F. and A. M. He was also a member of the
Holy Royal Arch Chapter and of Dieu-le-
Veut Commandery, No 45, of Knights Tem-
plar, and took a deep interest in the work of
Freemasonry, both in the blue lodges and
the more advanced brotherhood with which
he was affiliated.
The dying patriarch was approached only
a few days ago by a member of the Com-
mandery, who inquired of him as to his
wishes in case he should not survive his pre-
sent illness. He promptly replied that old
Gl was his first love and he desired nothing
further than to be borne to his last resting
place by the members of the Masonic fratern-
ity. The principles of morality and religion
as taught within the lodge formed at all time
his religious creed, and he hoped and trusted
that it would be by the strousr grip of the
lion's paw and on the five noinfs of fellowship
that the Supreme Grand Master would final-
ly raise him from actual death, and whisper
in his ear the word of a spiritual master ma-
son that will admit him to full teilowship
within that grand heavely temple, not bnild-
ed by mortal hand. Besides the son and
daughter of his first wife he leaves four
sons and one daughter, wife of Marcus Smith
of this city. His second son, George S.
Robinson, is a distinguished member of the
theatrical profession.
In 1820 coal to the amount of 800 tons
was mined in the Wyoming Valley.
In 1822 St. Stephen's Episcopal church,
Wilkes-Barre, was completed.
STEPHEN BRULE.
The First White Mau Who Descended the
Susquehanna.
In his department of Notes and Queries in
the Harrisburir Telegraph Dr. \V. H. Egle
publishes a most interesting account oJ the
first white man who descended the Susque-
hanna River. The nar rathe is derived from
John Gilmary Shea, LL. D., and is to the
effect that one Stephen Brule crossed from
Lake Ontario to the head waters of the Sus-
quehanna, descended the North Branch to
within a few miles of Shamokin, and fur-
nished the Je-uit Fathers with the earliest
information we have of the Aborigines of
that section.
"Stephen llrule, whose eulogy of the coun-
try of the Neutrals, led Father de la Kochu
Daillon, to visit them, had, we must infer,
already been in that part of the country,
and been struck by its advantages.
He came over at a very early age
and was employed by Champlain from
about 1010 and perhaps earlier. He
was one of the first explorers, proceeding to
the Huron country : nd acquiring their lan-
guage was to serve u* an interpreter. (Laver-
diere's Champlain \a pp. 244, 266. ) As
early as Sept. 8, 1 .,15, when Chan plian was
preparing to join the Hurons in their
expedition against the Entouohonorons, m
Central Xew York, Stephen Bruie set out
with a party of twelve Hurons from Upper
Canada for the towns of the Carantouannais,
allies of the Hurons. living on the Susque-
hanna, and evidently forming part of the
confederacy knowu later as the Andastes,
(lb. p. 35) to secure their co-operation
against the enemy.
He crossed from Lake Ontario apparently
to the Susquehanna, defeated a small Iro-
quois party and entered the Carantouannais
town in triumph. The force marched too
slowly to join Champlain, and Brule return-
ed to their country where he wintered. He
descended their river (the Susquehanna;,
visiting the neighboring tribes, meeting
several who complained of the harshness of
the Dutch. At last he started to rejoin his
countrymen, but his party was attacked and
scattered by the Iroquois and Brule losing
his way entered an Iroquois village. He
tried to convince them that he was not of
the same nation of whites who had just been
attacking them, but they fell upon him, tore
out his nails and beard and began
to burn him in different parts of
the body. He was far from being an
exemplary character, but wore an Agnuri
Dei, and when the Indians went to tear this
from his neck he threatened them with the
vengeance of heaven. Just then a terrible
thunder storm came up, his tormentors fled
and the chief released him. After ho had
Til E HISTORICAL RECORD.
21
spent some time with them they escorted
him four days' journey and he made bis way
to th« Atiuouaentuns the Huron tribe occu-
pying the peninsula between Nattawassaga
and Matchedash buys on Lake Hurou I Lav-
erdier*»'s Ohamplain 1619.pp. 134 MO, I61f>
p. 26: Sagard, Histoire du Canada p. 4UG.)
He found Ghamplain in 1618. and made
his report to him. If, was apparently on this
return march that he passed through the
territory of the Neuter-, as it would be his
safest course. We find him in Quebec in
1623, when he was sent to meet and bring
down the Hurons coming to trade. He re-
turned with them, leading a very dissolute
life among the Indians (as Sasard com-
plained), Laverdiere's Ghamplain 1624, p.
81. When Kirk took Quebec he went over
to the English, and was sent up to the
Hurons in their interest in 1629, notwith-
standing the bitter reproaches of Ohamplain.
(lb. 1632, p. 267,) Sagard, writ-
ing in 1636, states that provoked
at his conduct the Hurons put him
to death and devoured him. Sagard,
Histoire du Canada, p. 466, Lejeune Rela-
tion 1633, p. 34. The latter fact is not men-
tioned by the Jesuit*. From the remark of
Father Brebeuf (Relation 1635, p. 28), it
would seem that he met his death at the very
town, Toanchain, whence Father de la
Roche wrote. It was about a mile from
Thunder Ray. — ^Laverdiere's Ghamplain
1619, p. 27.)
Such was the fate of the man who whs the
first to cross from Lake Ontario to the Sus-
quehanna, and pass from the villages of the
Iroquois through the neutral territory to the
shores of Lake Huron."
Poetry of Wyoming Valley.
John S. McGroarty, of this city, has re-
cently published a handsome little volume of
118 pages on The Poets and Poetry of Wyo-
ming Valley. It is dedicated to the com-
piler's colleague on the Sunday Leader,
Mr. C. Ben. -Johnson. As the preface says,
the book is simply a collection of samples of
the poetical literature of Wyoming Valley
during the last 100 years. The idea is so
excellent, and the tidbits furnished are so
toothsome, one would like to have an entire
spread, rather than the little lunch which is
provided. However, the work can be ampli-
fied in subsequent editions, and we trust
that the author will feel disposed to do so.
Another feature, which would render a future
edition much more valuable, would
be its enrichment by footnotes, par-
ticularly in the case-: of such of
the writers as have passed over
to the silent majority. For example it
would be interesting for the general reader
to know something of Uriah Terry, who as
early as 1785, poetized the slaughter at
Wyoming which took place only seven years
previously: of James Sinton, who in 1812,
wrote of the Poor Man and the Doctor; of
K.ehaid Drinker, who in 1819 wrote tin Ad
dress to a Lan Tortoise: of Charles Moweiy,
author of A I'ank.'.e Song in 1803. More
familiar names are those of Andrew Beau-
mont, a distinguished side of brave sons and
accompl shed daughters; Josiah VVright who
published the Wilkes-Barre Gazette from
1797 to 1801; Charles Miner, the historian of
Wyoming, publisher of the Wilkes-Barre Fed-
eralist jrom 1802 to 1809, andof the Gleaner
until 1816; Sarah Miner, the hitter's blind
daughter and faithful amanuensis, whose
will now on file in the Register's Office, is
the briefest on record; Isaac A. Chapman,
who published the Wilkes-Barre Gleaner in
1816-17; Charles F. Welles, (1810), father
of our townsman, John Welles Hollenback;
Amos Sisty, editor of the Wilkes-Barre Ad-
vocate from l?>'d-< to 1843, the paper whien
in 1853, under the ownership of William P.
Miner, became the Recokd of the Times of
to-day. Of the writers recently deceased are
Dr. Harrison Wright, Lizzie Gordon,
(daughter of the late historical writer,
James A. Gordon, Esq.,) and Mrs. Harriet
Gertrude Watres, (Stella, of Lacka-
wanna,) one of the most talented
poets who ever srraced this region.
Hon. Steuben Jenkins, the most thoroughly
versed Wyoming historian now living is
represented; Caleb E. Wright, the able
Doylestown lawyer, fisherman and novelist;
Susan Evelyn Dickinson, sister of the well-
known lecturer and actress. Miss Anna Dick-
inson; Hon. J. E. Barcett, editor of Scranton
Truth; Mrs. M. L. T. Hart-man, author of
the history of Huntington Valley; lone
Kent, whom the Record readers have ad-
mired as "Francis Hale Barnard;"' Will S.
Monroe, who was offered the editorship of
Literary Life previous to its offer to Ko^e
Elizabeth Cleveland; E. A. Niven and "Tom
Alien' ' Osborne, of the Leader; Timothy
Parker, the veteran jeweler: Claude G. Whet-
stone, of the Philadelphia Times: Mrs. Mary
B. Richart, originator of the Lake Winola
legend: David M. Jones and Clarence P.
Kidder, the noet-lawyers: the poet physi-
cians, Dr. Biggins and Dr. Doyle.
rhough not strictly a Wyoming Valley
writer Mr. McGroarty has inserted two ex-
quisitely beautiful poems written by Homer
Greene, of Honesdale, the ones that made
him famous — My Daughter Louise and What
My Lover Said.
Some of the poetrj is crudity itself and is
only interesting as presentive a variety of
authorship. Much of it is excellent and a
credit to our beautiful and historic Valley.
Other writers — and the list is not as com-
plete as it might bt — are K. B. Brundage, P.
A. Culver, Hattie Clay, P. F. Durkan, S. H.
THE HISTORICAL HECOIil).
Dad clow, Mary Dale Culver Evans, David
Edmunds, Bertha JO. Millard, J. K. McDon-
ald, T. E. Morpeth, P. J. McManus. Philip
O'Neill, W. G. Powell, T. P. Ryder, Fred.
Shelly Ryman, Alice Smith, R. ILTubbs.
Mr. McGroarty himself contributes three
pretty creations of his own — all in the som-
bre strain peculiar to the promising young
author whose verse is never trilling but al-
ways dignified in its tone and pointmgsome
good moral to adorn the tale. JThoagh the
volume shows evidence oi: undue haste in its
preparation, yet it is a most creditable pro-
duction and well worthy a place on the
library shelf of every one who has any local
pride in the history and traditions of the
Valley of Wyoming — made famous already
in verse by Campbell, Fitz-Greene Halleck,
Mrs. Sigourney and Coppe.
PENNSYLVANIA VS. CONNECTICUT.
Account of a' Meeting; of Luzerne Land
Owners 18 Year.-. After the Decree of
Trenton, in Which They still Defend
the Connecticut Title
[Contributed by Hon. Steuben Jenkins.]
The following account of a meeting of the
Connecticut Settlers in Old Luzerne, sent me
by Or. Win. H. Egle, of Harrisburg, is of
some interest from the fact that it was held
more than IS years after the Decree of Tren-
ton, and more than two years after the pass-
age of the Act of Assembly, whicn, with its
supplements, gave 17 of the disputed towns
to the settlers for a mere nnmiuai considera-
tion. The residence of Peter Stevens, al-
though at the time in the then township of
Springfield, soon after was in Wyalnsing.
Old Springfield, on the east side of the river,
was called Wyalusing, while that portion of
it on the west side of the river was made into
Terry, which was subsequently divided and
a part of it called Wilmot.
The meeting tells its own story, and shows
how strongly the settlers believed in the
right and justice of their claim, anci how
bold and determined they were in defending
it against every encroachment.
At a Meeting of Delegates from a number
of Townships in the County of Luzerne,
held at the house of Peter Stevens, in
Springfield, on the 2'2d of May. 1801, to
consult and advise on the most safe, prudent,
legal and Constitutional Method of Defeuce
against any Suits that are now pending, or
may hereafter be brought against any set-
tlers under the Connecticut Title, Daniel
Kinne chosen chairman and Samuel Bald-
win clerk.
Whereas, The Constitution of the United
States provides that the judiciary authorities
shall extend to controversies between citi-
zens of the same State claiming lands under
grants of different States; and
Whereas, By the laws of the United States
it is provided that, in actions commenced in
a State court, the title of lands being con-
cerned, and the parties citizens of the same
State, and the matter in the dispute exceed
the sum of 500 dollars, etc., either party be-
fore the trial shall slate to the court and
make affidavit, if the court require it that
he claims and shall rely upon a right or title
to the lands, under a grant from a State
other than that in which the suit is pending,
etc., and shall move that the adverse party
inform the court whether he claims a right
or title to the land under a grant from the
State in which the suit is pending: the said
adverse party shall give such information or
otherwise not be allowed to plead such graut
or give it in evidence upon the
trial: and if he informs that
he does claim under such grant, the party
claiming under the grant hist mentioned,
may then on motion, remove the cause for
trial to the next Circuit Court, to be holden
in such district, etc.
And whereas. We have settled on lands
under a title derived from the State of Con-
necticut, antecedent to the settlement of
the jurisdiction between the States of Penn-
sylvania and Connecticut, and do rely upon
a right or title to the lands under a grant de-
rived from the Stale of Connecticut: there-
fore
1, Resolved, That we will in every legal
and constitutional manner, maintain, sup-
port and defend the Title to our Laud, as de-
rived from the State of Connecticut, in all
suits commenced, or which shall be com-
menced in the Courts of the State or of the
United States, and that it be recommended
to the Settlers claiming and holding Lands
under the Connecticut Title aforesaid, to
unite with us in supported and defending
the same in manner aforesaid.
2, Resolved, That three Agents b« ap-
pointed to appear for us and in our Names
to support and defend the Title of our
Lands, held and claimed under the aforesaid
Title in all Suits now pending, or that m^v
hereafter be commenced as aforesaid, with
full power and authority to engage Counsel,
learned in the Law, to appear for us and
defend said Title in the Courts of
this State or of the United States.
3, Resolved, That Messrs. John Franklin,
John Jenkins and Ezekiel Hyde be, and they
are hereby appointed Agents for the pur-
Dose.s aforesaid.
4, Resolved. That we will each of us ad-
vance our equal proportion in money ac-
cording to our Interest in the aforesaid
Titles, and deposit the sa»ne in the hands of
Agents or such Person or Persons as they
shall appoint, for the purpose of maintain-
ing and defending our just Title to our
Lands aforesaid; and we also hereby recom-
THE H1ST0HI0AL HECORD.
23
mend to all Solders holding Lands and re-
lying on the Title aforesaid, to advance such
sums, in proportion to the Interest they
severally claim and hold under such Title,
as will enable said Agents to employ Coun-
sel and defray the nece sary expenses, and
prosecuting and carrying the foregoing re-
solves into effect.
5, Resolved, And whereas it has been
represented to this Meeting Dy an instru-
ment of writing under the hand of Abraham
Horn, Esq., the Agent appointed under the
Act of the General Assembly of this State
passed the 16th of February, 1801, that he
is authorized to acquaint the Settlers of
Luzerne, that the Pennsylvania Landholders,
agreeably to the Instructions given to the
Agent, are disposed to offer an easy com-
promise.
Therefore, Resolved that our agents be
ana they are hereby directed to receive any
proposals that may be made by the Pennsyl-
vania Landholders or their Agents legally
authorized respecting an amicable com-
promise of the land in controversy and re-
port such proposals to the settlers aforesaid.
6, Resolved, That the foregone Resolu-
tions be signed by the Chairman and Clerk,
and that the same be published in the public
Paners printed at Wilkes-Barre.
Signed, Daniel Kinne, Chairman.
Samuel Baldwin, Clerk.
THK REDEMPTION ERS.
JBassett Family Re-Union
A re-union picnic of the descendants of
Luther Bassett was held in Boyd's grove,
near Danville, on Friday, Sept. 3. Luther
Bassett was a son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth
Simpson Bassett, his father being of Irish,
and his mother of Scotch decent, while in
the veins of his wife ran German blood.
The family all told (living members) num-
bers 111, of whom 56 were present. There
are living five children, 32 grand-children,
44 great grand children, and five great-
great-grand-children. Among those present
were Dr. W. G. Weaver, of Wilkes-Barre; I.
C. Kline, of Kliue's Grove, formerly a
teacher in the Wilkes-Barre public schools;
Mrs. Margaret Morgan and three children of
Kingston. Elliot R. Morgan, of Kingston,
is also a relative.
The Doylestown Intelligencer of Aug. 21,
contains a paper read before the Bucks
County Historical Society July 27, by Rev.
D. K. Turner on the Schools of Neshaminy.
The same print also contains the paper on
John and Jacob Holcombe, read at the joint
meeting of the Hunterdon County (N.J.,)
Historical Society and the Holcombe family
reunion, on Aug. 11, by Dr. George Hol-
q mbe Larison,
A Philanthropic Form oi" Servitude now
Fassed Away — How a Luzerne County
Family of these People was Swept
Away by a Cruel Fatality.
Of all the conditions of servitude in thiR
country, those of the Redemptioners wore
least oppressive. They were those who,
being too poor to pay in money for their
ocean passage, contracted absolutely to serve
for a term the value of which should equal
the cost of their transportation. It is im-
portant to remember that they were really
.sold. The "contract" was probably made
with the captain, or owner of the vessel which
brought them, agreeing to bo sold and bound,
upon arriving here, to some person who,
for the least number of years of their service
to him would pay the cost of their passage.
I doubt if any special law covering this
condition of servitude was ever in existence;
it is probable that the redemptioners were
governed by the general laws referring to
hereditary slaves and feudal tenure. The cost
of the voyage at the time the earliest settlers
came to America was eight or ten pounds
sterling, and it took five years of service in
1672 to repay this obligation. There was
little variety in work here; it was usually
agricultural or mere laboring. It is signifi-
cant that, while the value of a white person
in such circumstances was ten pounds, that
of a negro was twenty-five pounds. Negroes
had been enslaved in Africa, among each
other, from time immemorial. They were
first taken to Europe by the Portuguese in
1443, and to America (the Virginia Colony)
by the Dutch in 1020. The conquering
armies of Christendom likewise u>ually held
their captives in slavery. To free the
christians among these latter an institution
of religious monks was founded, which bore
the name of Redemptioners, or Trinitarians,
and it is supposed that our Redemptioners
took this title from that institution. Perhaps
the same name was applied to the prisoners
of war sent here. The Scots taken in the
field of Dunbar were sent into iuvoluntarj
servitude in New England: and the Ru/alist
prisoners of the battle of Worcester, (of
whom the names of 270 are recorded) and
the leaders in the insurrection of Penruddoc
were sent to America. The fact that their
servitude was involuntary, however, differen-
tiates them from the genuine Redemptioners.
The Redemption er's term of service could be
transferred, but he was not in the position
of an ordinary white servant, who was a
frequent article of traffic, though the laws
of the colonies favored their early emancipa-
tion. How many Redemptioners came to
America can never be known; some came to
24
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Luzerne County— among the rest Conrad
Knoch, the humble narrative of whose
life is very pathetic, and probably
typical in general of many others.
He was born in Germany in 1759, and, like
a sensible boy, tell in love with a girl about
his own age, which fired both of them with
zeal to make life a success. But they were
too poor to be married in Germany. The
Redemptioner's plan came to their aid, and
they landed in Philadelphia about 1784,
were both purchased at their solicitation by
the same person, at whose place they were
married. There they worked like Germans
till 1815 or '16, by which time they had not
only redeemed themselves, but also saved
enough to purchase 128 acres of land in Lu-
zerne County, (Hanover Township,) as well
as an abundance of the equipments of farm-
ing, A large family had by this time graced
their union, and they all grew to man and
woman hood, and one daughter married and
became a mother: but here interposed one
of the strange fatalities of nature; the father
and mother and all of the children and the
grandchild in quick succession were swept
away as if by the hand of God. There is not
an heir in America. The property descend-
ed to the nephews aud-uieces in Germany.
They sold it for $1,700 to the Gei man Con-
sul in Philadelphia, who had been appointed
administrator of the estate and who resigned
the office to purchase the property. Hi^
heirs now draw the royalty on the coal which
was made possible by brave Conrad and
Elizabeth Knoch.
G. H. R. Plumb.
Indian Paint-Stones.
The paint-stone in the possession of Post-
master Hope, of Paint, Ohio, says a corre-
spondent of the Cincinnati Commercial
Gazette, is about five inches long and three
inches broad, and tapers to an edy;^ like a
stone hatchet. It is extremely heavy and
looks like a smooth piece of polished iron
which has been corroded,, or like a piece of
polished iron ore. A hole drilled through
the middle makes a place for a string or
thong of deer sinew by which it was attached
to his belt by the Indian warror. "What was
this hatchet used for?" I asked Mr. Hope,
picking up one of the paint stones. "Do
you call that a hatchet?" he remarked;
"look here a minute and i will show you.''
He picked up a small saucer made out of
granite and rudely fashioned on the princi-
ple of an India-ink saucer. He rilled the
hollow of the saucer with water and then
rubbed the "hatchet" in it as he would have
done a cake of water-color paint. In a few
minutes he hod a teaspoonfol of brilliant
vermilion paint. Applying seme of it to
the back of his hand in stripes it proved to
be a brilliant vermilion flesh dye, bright
enough to send the most dudical Indian beau
into raptures.
"This," said Mr. Hope, noting my look of
amazement, "is an Indian paint-stone. It
was found in this county and is a remark-
ably lino specimen . The Indians were ac-
customed to tie the paint-stones to their
belts by means of thongs, and always carried
them to battle. The mode of manufactur-
ing them was quite remarkable. The Indians
hunted up springs which contained oxide of
iron. The iron in such springs always floats
on the top in the form of a scum. This
they would patiently skim off the sur-
face with a rude spoon and collect it in a
vessel which they used for the purpose.
"When they had collected a sufficient amount
of Skimmings' to make a paint-stone they
added certain other substances, and then
molded it into the hatchet shape which
characterizes all the paint-stones left by the
Indians. The method they employed in
doing the molding is not definitely known.
The springs in the neighborhood of
Paint were remarkable for the amount
of iron scum they yielded, and this
region was a favorite resort for the Indians
to make paint-stones. This one gives a
bright vermilion tint, but there are others
which give a bright yellow or a rich purple
tint. With these colors the Indian braves
could get themselves up in superb style.
They would rub the paint-stone in water in
this stone saucer,and then apply the stripes to
their skins directly with the stone. The color
which it yields does not rub off, but remains
on the skin a long time. The exact recipe
which the Indians employed in making the
paint-stones will never be known, but the
principle of all the coloring matter is the
oxido of iron. This paint- scum can often
be seen on the springs and streams in this
vicinity now."
The Plumb Family in America.
G. H. R, Plumb, Esq., of this city, — whose
father, Hon, H. B. Plumb, recently pub-
lished a valuable History of Hanover Town-
ship, Luzerne County,- -is collecting genea-
logical and other data concerning the
Plumb family in America, Already he has
on his list a hundred families, representing
more than half of the States in the Union,
and he expects to rind a thousand morfl.
The family name is variously spelled Plumb,
Plumbe and Plum, and many of its repre-
sentatives have become prominent in busi-
ness, theoloary, statesmanship, law and the
fine arts. Lawyer Plumb is rapidly adding
to his mass of information by sending circu-
lers to all of the family name of whom he
can learn.
In 1800 the population of the countv was
only 12,839.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Interesting Proceedings at the Quarterly
Meeting -- Valuable Contributions —
Electing New Members— Preparations
for the County Centennial.
The Wyoming Historical and Geological
Society held its quarterly meeting Septl 10.
President E. L. Dana was in the chair. A.
H. McClintock read the minutes. The list
of contributions was read and a vote of
thanks passed to the donors. The individual
contributors were: A. J. Hill, M. J. Griffin,
G. B. Kulp, G. M. Lung, Hon. J. A. Scran-
ton, C. VV. Darling, C. B. Dougherty, Hon.
K. H. McKune, Prof. J. C. Branner, Hon. C.
A. Miner, J. G. Rosengarten, Robert Baur,
F. C. Johnson, Rev. J. B. Gross, Lt. A. VV.
Vogdes, Dr. Harvey, John Reichard, Mich
ael Roe, Wm. D. Averill, Dr. W. H. Egle, L.
H. Low, A. P. Kunkle, A. H. Welles, H. C.
Wilson. E. B. Yordy, W. P. Morgan, Dr W.
H. Sharpe, S. Reynolds, Record, Neics-
Dealer, A, E. Foote, U. S. Commissioner of
Patents.
The societies contributing were Natural
History Society of New Brunswick. Histori-
cal societies of Virginia, Indiana, Iowa,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Irish Catholic
Benevolent Union, Lackawanna Institute of
History and Science, Dauphin County His-
torical Society, American Philosophical
Society, American Antiquarian Society, Pea-
body Museum, Carbondale Y. M. L. A.,
Presbyterian Historical Society, Brookville
Society of Natural History, Science'. Canadian
Institute, Library Company of Philadelphia.
Yale College, United States Geological
Survev, Old Residents' Historical Associa-
tion,
George M. Lung presented some relics of
the Moravian settlement near Wyalusinjr in
the last century: John Reichard, To speci-
mens of Colorado minerals: H. C. Wilson.
Mt. Vernon, 0., Indian relics: b'
drills, perforated stone, box of bone
ashes, cement used in graves, two axes,
7 celts, and 2'25 spear or arrow points,
Mr. Wilson believes that he can trace the
development of arrow-making in the speci-
mens which he has collected — several thous-
and in number— -and he believes the •riried"
variety to be the perfection of the !o-t art.
It has a rifled or beveled edge, which i-ives
it a spiral motion when in flight. Nearly ail
the specimens he sends are from Knox
County. Ohio, though one ax was found in
Bonaparte Park, Bordentowu, N J., 1 L feet
below the surface. He sends, from a grave
opened near Frederick-town, ()., by himself
and son, some decayed wood, burnt bones
and a lump of cement, the grave containing
two skeletons.
Morgan, Bros. & Co. presented the first
factory-made shoe ever made in Wilkes-
Barre, and turned out of their factory in Dec-
ember, 1882.
Letters were read from Brinton Coxe, of
Philadelphia, and George E. Waring, of
Newport, accepting and returning thanks
for their election as corresponding members.
Judge Dana submitted his report a-; met-
eorologist, of which the following is a
synopsis:
The average temperature for August was
63 1-10 degrees, as compared with (J(5>o in
IBS.")-, 70 in 1881: 00 in 1883.
Average temperature for July was 67, as
compared with 72 in 1885, lV/% in 1884, 73
in 1883.
Rain fall in August was 3.12 inches, as
compared with 7.77 in 1885, 3.41 in 1884.
3.84 in 1883.
Rain fall in July was 3.02. as compared
with 3 10 in 1885, 4.59 in 1881 6.41 in
1883.
Rain fall in June, 188G, was 2.81, 2.44 in
1885, 3.24 in 1884, 8 12 in 1883.
Rain fall in Mav, 188(3. was 7 inches, 2.G3
in 18S5, 4.27 in 1884, 5.28 in 1883.
Mr. Reynolds acknowledged the receipt of
the portraits of Wilkes and Bane, for whom
Wilkes-Barre is named, from the Estate of
Washington Lee.
Rev. H. E. Hayden presented a photograph
of a burial urn found on the island of
Ossabau, on the coast of Georgia. It con-
tained the bones of an infant child and is in
the posses-ion of Mr. Wm. Harden, librarian
of the Historical Society of Georgia, who
sends to the Wyoming Society.
For corresponding membership the fol-
lowing were proposed: Wm. M. Darlington,
LL. D., of Pitt-burg, and Samuel VV. Penny-
packer, of Philadelphia, Dr. D. G. Brinton,
of the Academy of Sciences, Philadelphia,
Col. J. A. Price and W. A. Wilcox, president
and corresponding secretary respectively of
the Lackawanna In.-tnute of History and
Science: also Hon. Steuben Jenkins, for
honorary membership. Benjamin F. Mor-
gan. E. VV. Horton, F. A. Phelps and J. E.
Patterson were elected to membership.
Dr. Charles F. Ingham, the society's con-
chologist, read a most interesting and
scholarly paper on meteors, with special
reference to a supposed meteor found on the
farm of J. Crockeit, in Ross Township, and
now in possession of the society. Hh pro-
nounced the stone, which is about the size of
a human head, not of meteoric origin. Dr.
Ingham believes it to be anorthite, brought
here m the drift period from the St. Law-
rence or the Great Lake region.
Judge Dana brought up the subject of
observing the centenary of the erection of
Lnzerne County and stated that he had been
pr nnised the co-operation of Dr. W. H.
Egle, Co!. Frank Stewart. Kev. David Craft,
Hon. P. M. Osterhout, Dr. H. Hollister,
20
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Rev. S. S. Kennedy, I). M. Jones, Esq.,
Hon. C. 15. Kin-. Hon. Stanlej Woodward,
Hon. H. B. Pluoib, VV. 1'. Ryman, Esq., and
Hon. H. M. Hoy . The d it« tails upon
Sept- 23, and it was ordered that a meeting
of the society be held on that day at lu am.,
to listen to histori al addresses. The Chair
was em [towered to appoint the nece.-sary
commiLttees.
LUZERNE'S FIRST Ch.M'URY.
The Occasion Commemorated by a Pub-
lic Meeting Under the Auspices of the
Wyoming- Historical ami Geological
Society.
It was on the 25th of September, 1780,
that Luzerne County was erected and the
centennial of that event was commemorated
with interesting exercises. The celebration
was very properlj held in the court house.
Judge Woodward adjourning court at 10
o'clock, out of compliment to the historic
occasion, Luzerne County has had no less
than three centennial celebrations— that in
1872, in honor of the laying out of Wilkes-
Barre; in 1870, in common with the Nation-
al Centennial, and in 1878, the 100th anni-
versary of the battle and massacre of
Wyoming. This being the case the present
centennial lacked the feature of novelty and
was permitted to pass without the pomp and
cirenmstance usually incident to such occa-
sions. The Wyoming Historical Society de-
termined to not let the occasion go by un-
observed and a meeting was arranged for,
Gen. E. L. Dana being the chief mover in
the matter.
The hour set was 10 o'clock, at which time
Judge Woodward was still on the bench. He
stated that in view of the historic event, so
important to the county history, he had ad-
journed the court and ordered the fa"t to be
spread upon the day's minutes as a perpet-
ual record. The Judge then went on to give
some historical data. He proceeded to read
from the statute for erecting the county,
which was an Act of Sept. 25. 1780. It pro-
vided that Luzerne County be set off from
the northern portion of Northumberland
County. He exhibited the first coutinuance
docket or minute book of the county organ-
ized under the statute, from which it ap-
peared that the first session of court was held
May 20, 1787, in the house of Zebulon But-
ler. The first business was to organize. Dr.
William Hooker Smith, Benjamin Carpenter,
James Nesbitt, Timothy Bickering, Obadiah
Gore, Nathan Kingsley and Matthias Hollen-
back were sworn in as justices of the peace.
Timothy Bickering — who might have served
as a prototype for Gilbert A: Sullivan's Poo
Bah in the "Mikado" — was made prothono-
tary, clerk of the Beace and of the Orphans'
Court, register of wills and recorder of
deeds. Joseph Sprague was made court
crier. Lord Butler, the first sheriff of the
county, was instructed to take measures for
the eroction of a jail.
Judge Woodward exhibited the commis-
sion of Sheriff Butler, who was a grand-
father oi the Judge's wife. It bears the sig-
nature of Benj.uniu Franklin. The legal
practitioners who wire sworn in were Eben-
ezct- Bowman, Putnam Catlin, Rosewell
Welles and Win. Nichols. The speaker ex-
hibited the first legal paper, a capias, Sept.
Term, 1787, Samuel Allen vs. Henry Bur-
ney, Catlin attorney. At that time the county
contained only 2,700 taxables, now, the
same territory has a population of
nearly half a million. Having concluded his
hasty retrospect Judge Woodward said he
would come down from the bench and turn
over the meeting to its proper custodian,
the Historical Society.
Judge Dana, president of the society, took
the chair and after a few appropriate re-
marks called upon Bev. E. Hazard Snowden,
the oldest minister in the county, to open
the exercises, and he addressed the throne of
grace in language peculiarly adapted to the
occasion.
Mr. C. B^n. Johnson read letters of regret
from Gov. Pattison, the Rt. Rev. William
Bacon Stevens, Dr Coppee, of Lehigh
University; Charles J. Hoadley, State Libra-
rian of Connecticut; W. S. Stryker, Adjutant
General of New Jersey; Henry B. Dawson,
the New York historian: Miss Emily C.
Blackman, author of "History of Susque-
hanna County;" Rev. Dr. David Craft, the
historian of Wyalusing. Mr. Hoadley sent
an interesting contribution — the commis-
sion of Jonathan Fitch as first Sheriff of
Westmoreland, dated Hartford, Nov. 28,
1776.
Judge Dana read a brief but valuable
paper — by Dr. Hollister, of Providence, who
was unable to attend— on the "Birth of
Luzerne County." In it reference was made
to the attempt to locate the count j -seat on
the west side of the Susquehanna, and of
Ethan Allen's scheme to bring his Green
Mountain Boys here and establish an inde-
pendent government in Wyoming.
Hon. Steuben Jenkins, the veteran Wyom-
ing historian, read a paper descriptive of
the government of Wyoming prior to the
erection of Luzerne County. It had to deal
with the Quarter Sessions, the speaker said,
as Judge Woodward had with the Common
Bleas. The troublous times were described,
as also the local dissatisfaction with the new
regime, which placed all the offices of pro-
fit in the hands of a single individual,
Timothy Bickering, and he a Pennamite.
The paper was a valuable contribution to
local history.
Mr. C. I. A. Chapman took exceptions to
THE HISTOIUCAL RECORD,
27
the language of the Act changing the
boundary pi the new county. He made the
point that instead of changing the western
boundary from W to N J degree W, as pro-
vided by the act, the change contemplated
was from \V to N80 degrees W. The latter
represented the contemplated change of one
degree, while the former implies a change of
80 degrees, which was not contemplated.
Mr. Jenkins replied that he was aware of the
technicial error, but lie could not change the
language of the Act.
A most elaborate and scholarly paper was
presented by Hon. E. L. Dana on the Che-
valier de la Luzerne, from whom the county
derived its name. Most of the subject mat-
ter was entirely new, having been obtained
by the speaker's son from the unpublished
archives of the French Government. The
paper revealed, what few people are aware
of, how warm a friend Luzerne was to the
struggling colonists and the practical aid
given by him to the American cause. Not
the least interesting was the official advice
to Luzerne of the naming of a county for
him, together with his reply, which was re-
plete with words expressive of his love for
America and for Pennsylvania, in which he
had lived for a time.
The assistance given by the Paxtang
Rangers to the Connecticut settlers at Wy-
oming in their contest with with the Pen-
namites was graphically portrayed by Dr.
W. H. Egle, of Harrisburg, who read an
admirable paper on " The House of Lancas-
ter to the Rescue." Dr. Egle was probably
the best reader of the day, and his portrait-
ure of the Hardy Scotch-Irish Presbyterians
who rallied to the standard of the Yankees
in their struggle against what they believed to
be the tyranny of Pennsylvania was graphic
in the extreme. Dr. Egle is one of the most
extensive historical writers in the Common-
wealth and the Historical Society was fortu
nate in securing his presence. His address
was warmly received and generously ap-
plauded.
At this juncture the meeting adjourned
until 2 pm., when the regular order was
again taken up, the first exercise being an
original poem by Attorney David M. Jones,
which was greeted with hearty applause.
Rev. S. S. Kennedy, traveling agent of the
Luzerne County Bible Society, sent an en-
tertaining paper, giving a historical sketch
of the township of Abingtnn, originally in
Luzerne, but now in Lackawanna, and it
was reod in part by the chairman.
Another of the old townships — Putnam —
was written up by P. M. Osterhout, Esq., of
Tunkhannock, who was present, and read
his paper. It gave an amount of valuable
data.
F. C. Johnson gave a synopsis of a paper
now bein<; prepared by him, presenting what
is virtually a chapter of unwritten history,
referred to by only one historian, Miner,
and disposed of by him in a sentence or
two. The subject was "The Proposed Kxo-
dus of Wyoming Settlers in 1783." In that
year the Connecticut settlers in Wyoming,
discouraged by the Decree of Trenton, which
had decided the land controversy in favor of
tho Pennamites, determined to seek the
friendly shelter of another State. A petition
was drawn up and signed by 400 settlers,
asking the Assembly of New York to grant a
tract of lands on the Susquehanna, beginning
near the Pennsylvania line and continuing
to Onoquago, immediate settlement to be
made. The memorial was taken to Albany
by Obadiah Gore, on horseback, where it
met with favorable action of both Senate
and Assembly. The exodus never took
place, as such, though some of the petition-
ers did seek a retreat along the waters of the
upper Susquehanna. As' time passed by,
Pennsylvania rule was found less oppressive
than had been anticipated and the Wyoming
people remained on their possessions. The
paper was interesting as being made up of
new material, the original petition, with
signatures, having been furnished the
sneaker by the secretary of the Oneida
Historical Society, and most of tho other
matter having been found among the State
historical records at Albany.
William P. Miner, Esq., for many years
editor and proprietor of the Wilkes-Barre
Recokd. read a most entertaining paper on
the progress of printing in Luzerne County.
The paper began with an account of his trip
on horseback from West Chester to Wilkes-
Barre in September, 1832, having been pro-
moted from the office of assistant devil in
the We=t Chester Village Record to the posi-
tion of imp of the ink balls in the office of
the Wyoming Herald printed and published
by Asher Miner and Steuben Butler. Mr.
Miner described the primitive method by
which the Herald was printed on a Ram age
press, inked with wool-stuffed buckskin balls
held in each hand. Mr. Miner alluded to
these papers in his possession: Wilkes-Barre
Gazette, 1797 to 1800; Luzerne Federalist,
1801 to 1811; Gleaner, 1811 to 1818; as well
as many subsequent.
C. I. A. Chapman was called upon and
made some extempore remarks on the
changes in the landmarks of justice which he
had witnessed in his lifetime— one the inca-
pacity of woman to possess property in her
own right, the other imprisonment for debt,
and his recollection, when a boy, of seeing
Rufus Bennett, the last survivor of the Wy-
oming masacre in jail for a paltry debt of a
few dollars. Mr. Chapman exhibited a draw-
ing of the old public square, made by him
28
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
20 years ago from memory,and showing the
buildings as they appeared about 1840. The
picture excited general interest.
The chairman called for extempore re-
marks upon Rev. Dr. N. G. Parke, Dr. An-
drew Bedford, of Waverly, who has been a
Luzerne medical practitioner upwards of 60
years; Mrs. M. L. Hartman, author of a
History of Huntington Valley: Dr. Harry
Hakes, Hon. Lewis Fughe, Wesley Johnson.
Hon. L. D. Shoemaker, Rev. H. E. Hay den,
and Evert Bogardus, Esq., of Norwalk,
Ohio. All responded briefly. Mr. Boeardus
gave some interesting reminiscences. Tho
sou of Jacob I. tJog-irdus, he was horn in
three townships — Bedford, afterwards called
Dallas and subsequently set off a* Lehman.
He remembered when his father's nearest
neighbor was Thomas Case. 2 miles north;
John YYhiteman, 2 miles northwest; Amos
Brown, 21< miles east. Mr. Bogardus was
still loyal to old Lu^rne, and pronounced it
the finest region he had ever seen.
The Luzerne Bar and Bench were largely
represented, also the court house officials.
Among the out-of-tOAii visitors were W. A.
Wilcox, Esq., Scranton; ALvin Day, Tunk-
hannock; Fierce Butler, Garbondale: Rev.
H. 11. Welles, of Kingston, H. B. Plumb,
Esq., author of "History of Hanover Town-
ship;" Col. Allabach, of Washington, the
Mexican veteran who carried the American
flag in the charge on Cherubusco: Rev. J. K.
Peck, preacher and author: Will S. Monroe,
a descendant of John Franklin and Capt.
Ransom; Miss Geraldine Culver, sister of the
writers.
Prior to adjournment at 4:30 Judge Dana
announced that the several papers would be
published by the society.
REV. BOSTWICK HAWLEY.
A Clergyman of 40 If ears Ago Writes His
" Reminiscences of Wilkes-Barre and En-
closes an Original Letter of Hon.
Charles Miner.
The Record is enabled, through the cour-
tesy of Mr. G. S. Bennett. to lay before its read-
ers an interesting letter from Rev. Dr. Bost-
wick Hawley, who preached to the Methodist
congregation here in 1847. He is very
pleasantly remembered by our older citizens,
who will be glad to hear from him and to
know that he is enjoying a ripe old age in
Saratoga. His letter is as follows:
Geokge Slocum Bennett, A.M.— Esteemed
Friend: After a lapse of twenty-two years I
have read for a second time t lie History of Wy-
oming, by my late and excellent friend, the
Rev. George Peek, D. D., and with deep in-
terest. Though more than forty years have
passed since I became the pastor of the
First Methodist Episcopal Church, and a
resident of Wilkes-Barre, this re-reading of
the instructive volume took mo in vivid
thought over the whole valley, as it then
was— beautiful, fertile, enterprising, from
the Narrows and Campbell's Ledge on tho
north to Nantieoke and Plymouth on the
south, including the two central points,
Wilkes-Barre and the "Plains" on one side- of
the Susquehanna and Wyoming and Forty
Forty Fort on the other. Wilkes-Barre was
then a beautiful village, and Wyoming was a
rural gem. The whole region was unbroken
and unmarred by cording operations and
by railroads, except the Baltimore
mine near at hand. Jacob's Plains,
where I preached once in two
weeks, was a beautiful region of farms and
farm houses. In the little white church,
now displaced by a larger one. was gathered
an intelligent congregation and an excellent
Sunday school. Of them I distinctly remem-
ber the Stark, Carey, and Abbott families.
The laie Rev. W. P. Abbott, eloquent and
popular, was then a Sunday school lad, on
whose head I gently placed my hand and said,
'You will make a man yet." So he inform-
ed me when he was a pastor in Albany, N.
Y., and that he had thenco on kept track of
me.
Tho large, intelligent and wealthy congre-
gation that then worshiped in the old, his-
toric and tall-steepied white church on 1 lie
Square, included many whose names and
features live pleasantly in my memory:
among them are your honored parents and
their then unbroken family; Pierce and
Lord Butler, my next-door neighbors, the
Hon. Andrew Beaumont and family, the
Hollenbacks, Judge Conyngham, Gen. Ross
and family, the Wood families, Sharp D.
Lewis and family, two of whom then died as
verging to maturity, Rev. B. Bidlack, Mr.
and Mrs. Drake, W. W. Loomis, the Keslers,
Father Moister, McAlpine and others, whose
portraits adorn the walls of my mind. The
family of the Hon. Charles Miner, the his-
torian, to whose volume Dr. Peck frequently
refers, and whose rural home was near by,
is vividly recalled because of the intelligence
of its several members, especially of Sarah,
cultured and interesting in her blindness.
Poet, musician, and dexterous, she was
highly attractive and much beloved.
My residence at Wyoming, then New
Troy, was more quiet and every way agree-
able. The newly formed class was by me
organized into a church; the old, weather-
beaten house of worship, long unoccupied,
was remodeled and improved, and tilled at
the morning and evening services by atten-
tive audiences. My charge included also
Forty Fort and what is now West Pittston.
Among the historic and honored families
whose descendants then lived in that region,
are those of Myers. Jenkins, Denison, Swet
land, Lee, Shoemaker, Wadhams , Pettebone
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
29
and to these I will add my well known
friend, the Rev. Dr. Nelson. The delightful
associations of those days were short. The
constituted authorities of the church, think-
ing my services were more needed in an-
other and larger place, removed me at the
expiration of one year, and much to the re-
gret of my family. Unco only since those
times have I visited that region, the same,
but greatly changed.
The two chapters of the volume, the read-
ing of which occasions this communication,
and which most interested me, are those
that contained the narratives of the original
Myers family and of Frances Slocnm, your
great aunt, the long lost captive, borne away
by the Delawares. Well did I know her
brother Joseph, your grandfather, as also
his manly sons and womanly daughters. than
whom none were more useful or respected.
I clearly call to mind in outlines the thrilling
narratives of ttie visits made by your grand-
father and two of Ins daughters to the forest
home of the lost and found one, thriliingly
interesting to me because of the character
and nearness of the parties. I now see in
imagination the Indian-like portrait of your
great aunt as it forty years ago hung on the
west wall of the parlor of the homestead.
After this second reading I am induced to
think that the historic name of that heroine
of the valley. Martha Bennet, is retained in
your family and borne by your sister, Mrs.
Phelps. [Mr. Hawley is in error here as to
the relationship. The Ziba Bennett
family of to-day is not the same as the
Bennet family of Revolutionary days. The
gentleman to whom this letter is addressed
comes from pioneer stock on his mother's
side only.— Ed.] As the aged and good
woman died so late as 1853, I am almost
sure that I had the pleasure of
her acquaintance and visited her
home. But I am trespassing. My
apology is the pleasant reminiscences evoked
from the dim past, and also that I have re-
tained these many years, with other papers
and letters, one written to me by the Hon.
Charles Miner, which I send to you for
preservation. It is a response to an invita-
tion that he speak at a Sunday school anni-
versary, when your honored fattier was the
superintendent, and your mother and aunts
were actively engaged as teachers in the
school. I recall the platform built over the
chancel, the baskets of '"goodies" under the
platform awaiting distribution to the
scholars. Yourself and Martha were then
among the juveniles. Not being able to
render the desired services, Mr. Miner re-
sponded in the words of the beautifully
written letter I herewith send to you as
a part of this communication. The follow-
ing is the letter retained as a keepsake thes8
thirty-nine years,
Reteeat, June 25; 1*17.— Rev. B. Haw-
ley: Rev. and Dear Sir: The first impuh
of my heart was to say "yes" to your lla
Ise
your let-
tering invitation, but sober second thought
admonishes me that a deaf man cannot be
either a pleasing or an effective speaker, the
ear being sj necessary to the proper modu-
lation of the voice. It would give me unaf-
fected pleasure to do what would be agree-
able to yourself, or to your society, which i
so highly regard. I am sure that you will
agree with me that true wisdom indicates to
one of my age, deafness and imperfect
health, to eschew, however attractive, the
scenes of public excitement, and with cheer-
ful resignation to cultivate those simple
pleasures which my books- the cottage
grounds and our domestic circle can afTord.
Very respectfully your friend,
ClIAIiLKS MlNEB."
With pleasant recollections of the long
past, and with kind regards to all who re-
call me. 1 am very truly yours,
Bostwiok Hawley.
Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Sept. 15, 188V.
A Historic Apple Tree.
[Bethlehem Times.)
Last week F. H. Huth. while on a trip to
the West, stopped with relatives living iu
Gnadenhutten. Tuscarawas County, 0., an
old Moravian settlement. Among other
places of interest visited was the old burying
ground where, among other trees, stands an
apple tree which was planted in 1774 by
Christian Indians. This tree was planted
eight years before the massacre of ninety-
six Christian Indians at Gnadenhuettan, on
the Tuscarawas River, by a band of white
settlers, which occurred on March 8, 1782.
The apple tree, still iu good bearing condi-
tion, remains a living monument in memory
of those Christian Indians whose remains
sleep beneath the sod once tilled by their
own hands, and now shaded by the trees
which were planted by them over a hundred
years ago. The tree remains also as a sad
reminder of the treachery of those white
settlers who commited the massacre.
Death of an Octogenarian.
The Hobbie Old says that Anthony Good,
one of the pioneers of Hollenback Valley,
died at his late home near Hobbie on Sun-
day. For several weeks he failed very
rapidly, and his death was the resuit of the
wearing out of the vital forces. Anthony
Good was born in Whitehall Township,
Lehigh County. Pa., March, 1805. His
wife preceded hiin to the grave by about
five and a half years. The union was blessed
with twenty-nine grandchildren, seventeen
of whom are living.
30
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
FRANCES SLOCUM'S RELICS.
A Tragic Story Recalled by the Placing on
Exhibition of a Number of Articles
Once Belonging: to the Lost Sinter of
Wyoming.
The Recoiid recently reprinted from a
Western paper an item to the effect that
some relics once belonging to Frances Slo-
cum, the Lost Sister, whose romantic his-
tory is known the world over, had recently
been found in Wabash County, Indiana.
The item was so brief and unsatisfactory
that inquiries were sent to the locality men-
tioned, from which it is learned that
while trie facts were somewhat dis-
torted there was much of truth in the
published reports.
Most of the articles referred to are
owned by Gabriel Godfroy, of Peru,
Ind., who married a grand-daughter
of Frances Slocum, and by whom
they were entrusted to the Grand Army
of the Republic for their Loan Art Ex-
hibition held August 9, in Wabash,
Ind., and in whose elaborate catalogue
(kindly sent us by the editor of the
WabasJi Courier), they are duly en-
umerated.
For the benefit of such of our young-
er readers as are not familiar with
the narrative, a brief sketch of Fran-
ces Slocum will bo interesting, before
passing to the correspondence : A
few months after the massacre of
Wyoming her father's family was
among the fugitives who ventured
back into the Wyoming Valley, which
had been desolated with hre and toma- p
hawk. On November 2, 1778. a band
of Delaware Indians stole Frances
Slocum, then a five-year-old child, as
also two other children, and hurried
away from the settlement, f he next
month the father of Frances and his
aged father-in-law, William Tripp,
were cruelly killed and scalped. No
tidings came of little Frances for o9 _ __
years, when by a most remarkable
chain of circumstances it was discov-
ered that she was living at Logans-
port, Indiana, with the Miami Indi-
ans, where she was found by her broth
ers and sisters in 1^37. The inter-
view was a most touching one. the
identification was complete, and every
entreaty was made to have the lost
sister return to her home in Wyoming
Valley, but all to no purpose, she preferred
to live and die among the children of the
forest. Two life-size portraits of her were
painted by George Winters, one of which is
now in the possession of Mrs. Abi Slocum
Butler, her niece, who is Iiviner in Wilkes-
Barre, and the other in the possession of
George Slocum Bennett, whose great-aunt
she was.
Following is the interesting letter received
from Mr. George C. Bacon, editor of the
Wabash Plain fJealer:
••Wabash, Ind., Sept. 9, 1886. — Editob
Record: Your inquiry and copy of the
Recobd at hand, concerning the relics of
Frances Slocum, the ''White Captive," or
"Mah-co-nes. quali," as she was known
among the Indians here. In reply will say
that it is incorrect to say that these relics
were '"unearthed," because they have been
kept carefully ever since her death by the
head man of the tribe, Gabriel Godfroy.
U*i- •
FRANCES SLOCUM (from Pearces Annuls).
Besides the relics mentioned in your paper,
the chief has in his possession the wardrobe
of "Mah-co-nes-quah," consi.-ting of a dress
and shirt of mail, both heavily trimmed with
silver ornaments, two shawls, a very fine red
silk scarf, a magnificent brown broadcloth
blanket ornamented with embroidery, and a
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
3]
l air of scarlet flauuol leggins of exquisite
workmanship and ornamentation. All these
are. in excellent stale of preservation. The
article in the Plain Dealer J send you to-day
states that the remain's of Frances Slo-
cuin are buried in Miami County, which
is amistakfi — they lie in the tribal burying
ground of her old home one mile west of
"Deaf-man's- village,'* on the banks of the
M.issinuewa River in Wabash County, about
twelve miles from this city. I had the good
fortune to see Peter Bundy in this city to-
day— an Indian who married one of Frances
Slocum's daughters, — and still lives on the
home place, and learned the above fact from
him. Also that she has two daughters buried
at the same placer that Frances Slocum
married Deaf Man, ( "She-pah-ca-nah" ) war
chief of the Osage village, and by him had
four children, "Ke-ke-na-kush-wah," who
married Capt. John B. Brouieliette: "Ozah
wah-shing-quah" whose, first husband was
Tah-co-na. Afterward she married Wah-
pah-pe-tah (Peter Bundy!. I have no record
of her sons. There are yet living many
people who knew Frances Slocum, who died
in March, 1847. Her oldest daughter died
in the same year, as did also her husband,
Capt. Brouielette: the younger. wife of Bun-
dy, died in 1S77. Peter Bundy is a most
excellent old Christian gentleman and has a
son who is a preacher in the M. P. Church."
Geo. C. Bacon.
The catalogue referred to has among the
Indian relics the "wardrobe of Frances Slo-
cum, the white captive. Loaned by Gabriel
Godfroy, Peru, Ind.: Blanket, three shawls,
two ornamented shirts, pair of leggins, silver
cross worn by Frances Slocum at the time
of her death," besides medals presented by
Presidents Washington aDd Jackson to
chiefs of Miami Indians.
TEXT BOOKS OF THE OLD ACADEMY.
One of the Pupils Writes About Them
and the Code of Morals Taught Therein
—Reminiscences Which \A" i i 1 Call Up
Boyhood Days of" Half a Century Ago.
Editor Record: It would be interesting to
compare the advance in the curriculum of
study in our schools. In the Old Academy,
primary department, about 1830, we
had the so-called John Rogers primer,
succeeded by Webster's spelling book.
The latter contained spelling and read-
ing. Most of thy articles for read-
ing were accompanied with wood cuts of the
rudest description, some of which were re-
produced a few years since in Harper's
Magazine, to show the great improvements
in engraving, particularly on wood. We well
remember the stories accompanying those
cuts, each of which contained a moral* The
first one was a picture of a small farm house,
and an apple tree in which could be •■ a
youngster, while at the fool of the tree • --■
a man in the act of throwing at the boj
boy being represented about as large as vhe
tree, and the man also out of all proport on
with his surroundings. The story was some-
thing like this: ''An old man found a '"Dde
boy up one of his apple trees, stealing aj»; .e-,
and desired him to come down. The yesng
sauce-box told him plainly he would tot.
The old man then threw turf and grass
at him, which only made the your. _-•:.-. r
laugh at him, whereupon the old man re-
plied: 'As kind words and turf do not
succeed, I will try what virtue there ;.- in
stones,' which soon made the young 1
hasten down from the tree and beg the old
man's pardon. Moral— When mild meas-
ures do not succeed wo must use hars'ifir
ones."
The next in order, as we recall from mem-
ory, was a picture of a milkmaid with a ; ail
upon her head, on her way to market with
eggs, and the story £roes, she got to reckon-
ing what the eggs would bring in money
and how much material she could buy with
the same for a new dress. She becomes so
engrossed with the subject that she forgets
the balancing of the pail, whi^h falls to trie
ground and destroys at once all her antici-
pations. The moral is apparent although
1 cannot reproduce the exact language.
Again, a fox is represented crosring a
stream, his head only exposed above the
water, a swarm of flies sucking his blood. A
swallow offers to drive them away, which
the fox objects to for the sensible reason
that the present flies are already gorged and
if driven away a fresh one would suck every
drop of blood from his veins.
The next reading book was Murray's Eng-
lish Reader, in two parts, one of prose and
the other poetry, made up of selection- from
the best English authors. This was succeed-
ed by Murray's sequel to the English
Reader, of the same general character as the
first.
This reader was entitled "The English
Reader, or pieces in prose and poetry from
the best writers: designed to assist young
persons to read with propriety and effect,
improve their language and sentiments and
to inculcate the most important principles
of piety and virtue." The work was ar-
ranged with select sentences and para-
graphs, narrative pieces, didactic pieces,
argumentative pieces, descriptive pieces,
pathetic pieces, dialogues, public speeches,
promiscuous pieces. The extract.- were from
the hUble, Milton, Blair, Hume, John. -on, A ikiu
Addison, Gregory, Goldsmith, Home, Dr.
Young, Archbishop Fenelon, Lord Lyttle-
ton, Cicero, Ac. &c, all of a religion- or
moral tendency. The poetry was from
Pope, Thomson, Cunningham, Young. Gray,
33
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Cowper, Addison, Milton, and others.
A boy would not be likely to
iscover or appreciate the beauty of
ho sentiment or the language, but to the
i per scholars, nothing can now be found in
any of our school- to compare with it.
The grammars then in use were Kirkham'fl
and Murray's, both of which were as dry as
dust to the student, the latter being tilled
with notes in fine print, which made it par-
ticularly obnoxious, and it is very doubtful
if the principles underlying the structure
of our language were ever extracted by
these helps; Mitchell's Geography and
Atlas, Halo's History of the United
States and Blake's Philosophy.
These were the books in the English de-
partment of the upper and lower rooms.
The teacher in the lower room was named
Chamberlain, and he was a good and faith-
ful teacher, too. He boarded at Morgan's
tavern, on the site of E P. Darling's resi-
dence, on Fiiv'er Street. He afterwards trav-
eled through this country introducing Cobb's
Spelling Book, which succeeded Webster's.
He moved west and carried on a book store.
Israel Dickinson, who taught in the upper
school where young men were prepared for
college, and who paid this place a visit last
fall, said he was still living in the same
town with himself. If this hast> reminis-
cence will be the means of calling out other-
of the alumni of the Old Academy it would
be very pleasing to the Wkitek.
Meaning of Susquehanna,
The word Susquehanna having been a
puzzle to etymologists from the days of
Heckewelder to the present, it is worthy to
note that Prof. A. L. Guss, of Washington
City, has carefully analyzed the name and
determined its signineation to the satisfac-
tion of himself, at least. He says it is of
Tockwock origin, and signifies the Brook-
stream, or the Spring-water-stream. The
earliest use of it is found in the works of
Captain John Smith of Pocahontas fame.
Sheep Raising in this Region.
The following item is taken from a vY'ilkes-
Barre paper of 1635:
"We understand our enterprising fellow
citizen, Dr. Bedford, of Abiugton, is begin-
ning to direct his attention to the subject of
raising sheep m this county. As soon as the
Doctor makes the experiment we hope he
will give the public the result of his experi-
ence."
It is a pleasure to know that Dr. Bedford
still lives in Abington, honored in his later
years as in early life, and in the enjoyment
of health and competence. Has his experi-
ence in sheep raising been recorded?
An <H<I War Song.
In March last the Fbnira Telegram print-
ed a poem which was furnished to it bj Cor-
pora] O'Brien of the 143d Regiment, Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, and which was explain-
ed as follows: The song w;i- v, itten by
Amos Sisty on the departure for the Mexi-
can War, m 1840, of the 'Wyoming Artil-
lerists,' under command of Cantain E. L.
Dana. The ode was rendered at a meeting
held on the occasion in the old Methodist
Church on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre,
which was addressed by Dr. Thos. W. Miner.
The poem having been copied into the
Wilkes-Barre Leader, Lieut.-Col. E. B.
Beaumont, of the 4th U. S. Cavalry, ad-
dressed a note to that paper from Fort
Bowie, Arizona, in which he stated that the
poem was written hy his father, the late
Horn Andrew Beaumont; that it was pub-
lished in a Washington paper, Feb. !i2, 3 817,
and copied from the Annapolis Democratic
Herald. The poem was as follows:
Air. — "The Star Spangled Banner."
Oh say, did you hear the loud clarion of war
Send its summoning blast o'er our hills and
our valley? [spear,
Aud Mais, with his helmet, his buckler and
Call our youth round "The Star Spangled
Banner" to rally?
'Mid these stirring alarms,
See our sons rush to arms —
While the passion for glory each gallant
heart warms: [boast,
And the sons of Wyoming shall hence be our
Be the theme of our song and the soul of our
toast.
Behold where the fane of religion ascends,
Those youth clad in arms round the altar
of freedom.
And pledge, in the presence of kindred and
friends.
Their blood and their lives, if their country
should need them,
Then the psean rose high.
And the shout rent the sky,
While the patriot tear stole from each gener-
ous eye: j boast,
And the sous of Wyoming shall e'er be our
Be the theme of our song and the soul of our
toast. [clare
And ne'er shall the page of our hist'ry de-
That the youth of Wyoming are wanting in
duty;
Beloved as companions — undaunted in war,
And the smiles of the fair are their "booty
and beauty."
For the same ardor fires.
The same spirit inspires.
That guided in battle their patriot sires:
And the sons of Wyoming shall long be our
boast.
Be the theme of our song and the soul of our
. toast.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
33
SAM. WKIGHT.
Reminiscence of a Famous Shopkeeper of
50 i'earsAgoin Wilkes-Harre — A I'ffce
of 'Original Poetry Advertised by Him.
Mr. Record: You want original poetry
of Wyoming. Here is a sample of 50 years
ago.
What! You don't want it?
Read the prologue.
All Hail! Lovers of high flavored and well
dressed Oysters (both fried and stewed) are re-
quested to call at my old stand on the VVesl Sidi
of the Public Square, or at my now Oyster Estab-
lishment in tli" cellar of Major O. Porter's Hotel.
on liiver Street, where they will hud Oysters as
well as other refreshments served up at short
notice. Samuel Wright.
Who was Sam Wright?
What a question. As if everybodj didn't
know the only man who could try and siew
oysters. A man of portly presence and fixed
shade of color, who never sold lager beer:
the inventor, or discoverer of the Imperial
Beverage, (a lost art) under whose ministra-
tions Constitutional Prohibition was neither
needed nor thought of.
No. I am no Rip Van Winkle: but this
village like that of "Falling Waters" is much
changed. What is fame or reputation if
nobody remembers Sam Wright?
In a few years, perhaps, there will be peo-
ple asking "Who was Tommy Robinson."
whose small beer was equal to trie Imperial
Beverage.
Ask Dr. Ingham, Capt. Dennis or Gen.
Dana, not that either can be expected to re-
member so far back as half a century, but
the story must have been still fresh in their
early youth: how one training day the
courteous inventor of the "Imperial" wrote:
"The compliments of Samuel Wright, to
Capt. H. B. Wright requesting the pleasure
of his Company at his Old Stand on West
Side of the Public Square," and how the
tired and thirsty commander about to dis-
miss his company, construed the invitation
iu a most liberal sense and astonished the
proprietor by ordering his line of inarch in
full array to the place of entertainment.
Compare the "menu'' at the "Old Stand"
with that of Kennedy or of Lohmann to-
day:
Samuel Vv right, by day and by night,
Will serve up hue OY.fijTEl.iS, you know.
1 have them on hand, and more at command.
On the Square and at Porter's below.
If yon call for a heart, or even a tart,
I'll furnish them both if von please.
Mince pies 1 have too, or plumb pudding in lieu.
As well as dried beef and good cheese.
Wilkes-Barre, £hw. 26, 1S34.
Can you reject this? o.
Niagara Falls, N. Y., Sept. 23, 1886—.
Editor Record: I read in jour paper
this week asking, who i- Sam Wright? 1
emember him well as a popular and favor-
ite proprietor of a restaurant, in one of low
old buildings on the west side of Public
Sqa re, more than 50 years a<;o. Everj body
large and small, old and young knew Sam,
and he was respected by all who knew him.
He was a member of the Methodist Church
and a devoted christian man. Many a time
have I heard in.s sonorous voice raised in
devoul prayer at their meetings and 1 re-
member his fondness for joining in the
singing, which as a boy amused me; as his
voice was a good imitation of the Scotch
bag pipe; and can imagine I hear ii now
ringing in my head. Sam was a character
and was never boycotted on account of his
sable color. I have a vivid recollection of
getting the most delicious peach pie and
soft ginger cake at Sam's saloon that any
boy ever got at any oUier. So much for my
memory of Sam Wright. S. Petteuone.
A Liar of the Last Century.
The Bloomsburg lie publican of Sept 115
has discovered in an oJd newspaper a letter,
from which it would appear that our Penn-
sylvania climate and country was not very
attractive to the red-coated hirelings who
came over to assist in crushing th< rebel
patriots of the American colonies. The let-
ter is dated January 18, 177d. and was
written by a Hessian officer in the British
Army. Of the general character of the
country he writes:
"If the Honoiable Count Tenn should
surrender to me the whole country, on con-
dition that I should live here during my life,
I should scarcely accept it. Among one
hundred persons, not merely iu Philadel-
phia, but also throughout the whole neigh-
borhood, not one has a healthy color, the
cause ot which is the unhealthy air and bad
water." This is caused, he says, "by
the woods, morasses and mountains,
which partly confine the air.
and partly poison it, making the
country unhealthy. Nothing is more com-
mon here," he continues, "than a fevt r once
a year, then eruptions, itch, etc." This dire
picture reaches a climax lat<-r on where he
declares: "Nowhere have I neen so many-
mad people as here. . . . Frequently the
people are cured, but almost all have a quiet
madness, a derangement of mind which
proceeds from sluggish, not active blood.
One cause is the food. . . . The milk is
noi half so rich, the bread gives little nour-
ishment.''
In regard to climatic influences, this
veracious chronicler writes. "The thunder
storms in summer and the damp reeking
air in spring and autumn are unendurable.
In summer mists fall and wet ever> thing,
and then in the afternoon there is a thunder
storm. In winter when the trees are frosted
in the morning, it rains in the afternoon."
34
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
It is on the stbjeet of snakes, however, that
this writer's descriptive ability shines with
the clearest luster He prefaces his story
with thu mild statement that '"There is no
scarcity of snakes. The great black snake
has been found near the Schuylkill lately,
quite ne?r our camp. A countryman cutting
wood was chased by one recently. • • • •
There is nothing, however, more terri-
ble than the big rattle snake, which is from
twelve to sixteen feet long and kills by a
glance. A countryman in my quarters lost
a relative in this waj some years ago. He
had gone hunting, and seeing a bear stand
still, aimed at and shot it; scarcely had he
reached the bear, when he was obliged to
stand motionless, remained thus awhile, fell
and died. All this was caused by a rattle-
snake, which was perched in a high tree."
Centennial of Luzerne County.
These days in which we live are prolific
with centennial observances, but it would be
churlish to say that there are too many of
them. They serve a good purpose and though
— in the absence of circus and mountebank
features — comparatively few people attend
the gatherings, yet the interest in them is
great and there will be thousands of people
who will read with eager enjoyment the re-
ports in the local papers of Saturday's ob-
servance, and when the detailed proceedings
are published— as they will be — by the His-'
torical Society the volume will be stored
away as a valuable contribution to our fund
of local history. Most people want to take
their dose of historical research ad libitum,
whenever, however, and wherever wanted —
without expending the energy necessary
upon attendance at a public meeting. Very
much on the principle that some people nowa-
days have a telephone wire running to the
pulpit of their favorite preacher, and thus
hear his sermons without having to go to
church.
But seriously, an event such as was cele-
brated on Saturday is no mean one and there
are brought together a vast deal of historical
data that might otherwise be lost. It is not
very electrifying work for the man of anti-
quarian tastes to rummage among the "dead
and useless past," and he needs some incen-
tive like a centennial celebration to drive
him to its performance. Probably nearly
every one of the papers was written under
just such pressure— an appointment to write
on a certain topic — a lack of time in which
to do it and consequently a rush in the few
remaining hours to complete the task as-
signed. But when done the work remains.
— it may be of great value to coming gene-
rations,it may be of very little or no value.
What mighty changes have come over this
county in the brief space of a century!
Made up originally of the territory now
composed in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Susque-
hanna, Bradford and Wyoming Counties, it
contained in L786 about 2.300 taxables—
perhaps 15,000 inhabitants. In otie hundred
y •> u-s this number has swollen to 200 times
this amount, or according to the census of
1880, 337,827 souls. Of these, present
Luzerne claims almost one-half, making it
one of the most densely populated, the most
wealthy, the most thriving communities in
the United States.
No name more worthy than that of the
Chevalier do la Luzerne, could have been
been bestowed upon a county which was to
become great, wealthy aud populous. De
la Luzerne was an officer in the French
army, serviug in the Seven Years' War.
Abandoning arms for affairs of state, he
was appointed Minister from the Court of
France to the United States in l^TS. He
made his home in America for five years and
became an idol of the people. In 1780,
when our army had scarcely a dollar in its
coffers and when our Government Treasury
was depleted to the last degree, Luzerne
raised money on his own responsibility to
tide over the crisis which threatened the
stiuggling colonists with destruction. Af-
terwards he was sent by his home Govern-
ment to the Court of St. James, and in 1789,
when the Federal Government was organ-
ized, Jefferson, then Secretary of the State,
by order of President Washington
addressed a letter to the Che-
valier de la Luzerne, acknowleding
his pre-eminent services and the appreda
tion of them by the American people. The
naming of a county in Pennsylvania in his
honor elicited from him a letter breathing
a spirit of love for the Nation, whose un-
promising fortunes he hid espoused in the
hour of adversity and which he had lived
to see crowned with victory. We do well,
even a hundred later, to reverence his mem-
ory, and the memory of all the brave pioneers
in the work of laying the foundations ot
this Republic and of this county. If we of
to-day build as well as they what fancy can
picture nation and county a century hence!
The poems of ''Stella of Lackawanna,"
( Mrs. Harriet Gertrude VVatres, of Scran-
ton, deceased,) are in the hands of a large
publishing house in Boston, and will be
issued in book form in the course of two or
three months. The volume will be embell-
ished with a splendid steel portrait of the
gifted authoress, and the work will without
doubt command a large sale. State Senator
L. A. Watres is a son < f the lamented dead,
and Dr. H. Hollister, the veteran historian of
Lackawanna County, is a brother.
In 1815 where Scranton proper now stands
was a wilderness.
1702599
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
35
LCJZKKNE COUNTY POSTOFFICES.
One Hnudred and Four of them— Town-
fdiijis i i f which Located- -A List that is
Useful for Reference.
Probably not everybody is aware that Lu-
zerne County has 104 postoffices, yet such
is the fact. Many of the names will be new
to the general reader and not one person in
a hundred can tell oft hand in what part of
the county the several oftices are located.
In a few instances a borough has a differ-
ent postoflice name. Laurel Run Borough's
postoftice is 0 iver's Mills. The postofhee in
Pleasant Valley Borough could not be so
named as there was already a Pleasant
Valley in Bucks County. Consequently
Pleasant Valley's. postoftice is Avoca (recent-
ly called Marr). There is a Pleasant Hill
in Boss Township but it conld not be so
called as there is such an oftice in Lawrence
County. It is therefore named Sweet
Valley.
Post Offtck. Township.
A lden Newport
*Ashley Hanover
Askam Hanover
Avoca Marcy
Beach Haven Salem
Hear < reek Bear Creek
Bel bend Salem
Black Ridge Sugarloaf
Bloomingdale Boss
' Briggsville Nescopeck
Cambria Huntington
Oarverton Kingston
Cease's Mills Jackson
( onyngham Sugarloaf
Dallas .Dallas
Dorrance Dorrance
*DriftoD Hazle
Drum's Butier
Duryea M arcy
Lbervale Hazle
Eckley Foster
F.xeter Fxeter
Fades Creek Lake
Fairmount Springs Fairmount
Forty Fort King-ton
"Freeland Foster
Glen Summit Wright
Gowen — ' ' • Black ( reek
Grand Tunnel Plymouth
G regory Hunlock
Harding Fxeter
Harleigh Hazle
Harvey ville Huntington
Hazle brook Foster
Tlazleton Hazle
Bobbie Hollenback
Hunlock ( reek Hunlock
Huntington Mills Huntington
Huntsville Jackson
Inkerman Jenkins
Jeansville Hazle
Jfddo Hazle
'Kingston Kingston
Ketcham Franklin
Kunkle Dallas
}*■ J'ttlo Fairmount
bake, i at Harvey's Lake) Lehman
Lnrksville, (formerly Blindtown), Plymouth
Post Office. Township.
Lehman Lehman
Loyal ville Like
Luzerne, i formerly Mill Hollow,) Kingston
Milaesville Hazle
Miner's Mills Plains
>loosehead Denison
Mountain Grove Black Creek.
Mountain Top Wright
>hi 1 1 It-ii bury Union
♦Nanticoke Hanover
Nescopeck Nescopeck
New Columbus Huntington
Oliver's Mills, (Laurel Bun Borough)
Wilkes-Barre
Franklin
Lake
Plains
Hanover
Lehman
Orange
Outlet
♦Parsons
Peely, (Warrior Bun),...
Pike's Creek
♦Pittston Pittston
♦Plains Plains
Plainsville, (L. V. RR. Station) Plains
♦Plymouth Plymouth
Port Blancliard Jenkins
Bed Bock Fairmount
liperister Huntington
Bey burn U n ion
Rittenhouse Fairmount
Roaring Brook Hunlock
Bock (ilen Black Creek
Ruggles Like
Sandy Run Foster
♦Shickshinny Salem and Union
Silk worth Lehman
Slocum Slocu m
•Stork ton Hazle
St. John's Butler
StoddartsvUle Buck
Sugarloaf Butler
Sugar Notch Sugar Notch
Sweet Valley Boss
SeybertsviBe Sugarloaf
Town Hill Huntington
'•'own Line Union
Trncksville Kingston
Upper Lehigh Foster
Wanamie Newport
Wapwallopen Conyngham
Waterton Huntington
West Nanticoke Plymonth
♦Wilkes-Barre Wilkes-Barre
White Haven Foster
Wyoming Kingston
Yat^s. i lates ville), Jenkins
Zeluier Foster
Offices with an asterisk, (*), are money-order
offices.
A Large Kagle Shot.
[ Pi tt6ton Gazette. 1
A splendid specimen of the bald e:\gle was
shot yesterday in the vicinity of Ransom by
Fred Hoffner, in company with Frank and
Henry G. Weeks, who were out for a day's
tramp through the country. The eagle drop-
ped with a broken wing and a bullet through
its body. The bird measured six feet and
eitrht inches across the wings and three feet
from beak to tail.
In 1810 the Luzerne County Agricultural
Society was first organized,
36
Till-: HISTORICAL RECORD.
The Supposed Meteorite.
Appended is the extracted description of a
supposed meteorite in the collection of the
Wyoming Historical and Geological Society,
from a paper recently read before the Society
by Dr. ( harles F. Ingham.
This mass of mineral was left in charge
Of this society by Mr. J. Crocket, of Ross
Township, Luzerne County, where he ob-
tained it in ploughing on his farm in a
locality which seemed to be that on which a
luminous bodj or meteorite had fallen. He
is therefore of the belief that this is that
body. My investigations lead me to an
opposite opinion, for the following reasons:
First, That the external surface does not
correspond with the descriptions universally
given 'of meteorites. M. Dtubree. member
of the Institute of Mines and Inspector
General of the mines of France, in an
article on the synthetic experiments re-
lative to meteorites, says, ''What is first re-
marked on examining meteoric stones, is a
black Ciaist which covers the whole surface;
this crust is in general of a doll appearance,
but in some aliuminous and particularly
fusible meteorites it is of a glittering as-
pect, so as to resemble a varnish. Its thick-
ness is less than one millimetre < o^e-twenty-
fifth of an inch), and it is plainly owing to
a superficial fusion which the stone has
undergone for a short time, being the re-
sult of incandescence produced by friction
through the atmosphere." And this we
find in a specimen belonging to this society
while the Ross Township stone is totally
without it and has no other indication of its
having been heated.
Secondly, and of great import, I find the
specific gravity of the Ross Township speci-
men only 2 018, whereas the specific gravity
of meteorites, as reported, ranges from
3/20') to 7.020, an average being o 24. The
Polish specimen has a gravity of 3.663, and
it i-; strongly attractable by the magnet; yet
it has no magnetic power, and hence no
polarity inherent. The Ross Township
specimen gives no evidence whatever of
magnetic influence, although my tests were
applied to an external flake, which should
have had the greatest energy of the whole
mass. And this is in accord with my an-
alysis of the mineral by which I get but the
faintest evidence of the presence of iron,
and not a trace of nickel. 1 found the mass
made up of silica, alumina, lime, magnesia,
potassa and, as above stated, a faint trace of
iron, as also some bismuth.
In these elements, taken in connection
with the specific gravity 2.663. we have a
close approximation to the mineral Anor
thite, its specific gravity being 2.730.
Anorthite belongs to the section of feld-
spathic compounds; Now, if the mass in
que-tiou is not a meteorite, and did not
roach its place of rest by a traverse through
the air, the question follows, where did it
come from? The surface-rocks of Luzerne
County are not of the feldspathic class, nor
do we find them in force until we ap] ro ich
the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.
This would seem to be making out a very
remote point of origin for the specimen, in-
volving a very long overland journey to
reach its location in the mountains of Penn-
sylvania. Hut that the great proportion of
the drift found throughout this county came
from equally remote sources we have the
strongest lithoiogic evidence: for among the
stones of the gravel we find a very large
amount of the Potsdam sandstone, this stone
being at the base of the lower silnrian
formation, and being the beginning of the
paleozoic series, or those bearing the fo?>il
evidenco of life on earth. The nearest
point to us, northward, at which this sand-
stone has a surface spread, is in St. Law-
rence, ami Franklin Counties, the northeast
corner of the State of New York: where, in
the Adirondack mountains, it appears prom
inently. 1 therefore assign to the force that
brougnt the Potsdam sandstone to us, the
no more difficult task, that of having
brought the specimen to Ross Township.
An Historic Log Chapel.
The Media American recently contained
an article by Philip Leunon on "The Old Log
Chapel at Neshaming in Bucks County."
It was the pioneer seminary for aspirants to
the Presbyterian ministry a century and a
half ago. It was six miles south of Doyles-
town, twenty miles out of Philadelphia.
When in America in 1739 the celebrated
evangelist, Whitfield, preached here to 3000
people. The deed for the ground, dated
1728. wa* given by James Logan, to his
cousin, Rev. William Teunent, an Irish
emigrant, who shortly after his arrival re-
nounced his allegiance to the Church of
England and joined the Philadelphia Pres-
bytery. The gift consisted of fifty acres of
laud and the part of it on which the college
stood is said to have been th^ Indian bury-
ing ground. The log college, 20 feet by 30
feet square, was for years the only institute
south of New England where young men
could be prepared for the ministry.
The Log College flourished under Mr.
Tennent for twenty years, when its place
was eminently supplied by kindred institu-
tions thereabouts. From its walls came
many noted preachers of Scotch-Irish de
scent. Four of his own sous were minis-
ters, one of whom, Gilbert Tennant, preach-
ed eloquent sermons to stir up the people
during the French and Indian War. A cart-
load of these sermons were very opportunely
discovered in an old lumber room of Dr.
Fianklm's when the American patriots were
Till: HISTORICAL RECORD.
37
hunting foi paper to make cartridges after
the British evacuated Philadelphia, in June
1778. The sermons were utilized as cases
for cartridges, and told effectively after-
wards on the retreating British in the battle
of Monmouth.
Tho Rev. Charles Beatty, an [rish Presby-
terian, who was chaplain with Dr. Franklin
in tho army on the Lehigh, in 17r>(>, was
educated here. He was an emigrant with a
good classical education, but compelled to
make a living by peddling. Halting one
day at Log College, he accosted the profes-
sor familiarly in classical Latin. After
some conversation in which the peddler
evidenced religious zeal, Mr. Tennent said.
"Co and sell the contents of your pack and
return immediately and study with me. It
will be a sin to • continue a peddler, when
you can be so much more useful in another
profession.'* Beatty became an eminent
preacher. He was present at the coronation
of George 111.
While chaplain with Dr. Franklin's army
on the Lehigh, during the French
and Indian War, an incident is related
worthy of record. The soldiers were allowed
a gill of rum every day in addition to their
regular stipulation, one-half being dealt out
in the morning and the other in the evening.
On Dr. Beafty's complaining to Dr. Frank-
lin, of the soldiers not being punctual in at-
tending service, the latter suggested, "It is,
perhaps, below the dignity of your pro-
fession to act as a steward of the rum, but
if you were to distribute it out only ju^t after
prayers, you would have them all about you."
Mr. Beatty profited by the advice and in
future had no reason to complain of non-
attendance. A few hands measured out the
liquor after prayers regularly. He died at
Barbadoes, whither he had gone to collect
money for the New Jersey College in 1771.
Scarcely a vestige of those old college
times now remains about there — save a tire
crane, said to have been used by Mr. Ten-
nent in hi- own house, and a part of the old
wall, a foot and a half thick, in the end of a
kitchen attached to an old house there.
Some old coins bearing the date 1710 were
discovered there years ago. Not a vestige
remains of the temple whose roof echoed
often the loud, earnest preachings of truth.
Another Sullivan Expedition Journal.
We have received from Mr. Justin Winsor,
corresponding secretary of the Massachusetts
Historical Society, a valuable pamphlet of
4~> pages, of which the following is the title
page inscription:
Sullivan's Expedition Against the Iudians
of New York, 1770. A Letter from Andrew
Mc Far land Davis to Justin Winsor, corres-
ponding secretary of the Massachusetts Hi>-
oricai Society. With the Journal of William
McKendry. Cambridge: John Wilson and
Son. 188(3. Pp.45.
Mr. Davis' letter gives a list of 32 publish-
ed and unpublished diaries, journals or nar-
ratives of the Sullivan expedition, though
the one in the preseui pamphlet has never
before been published. It is stated that the
journal of George Chant has been printed in
the Wyoming (Wilkes-Barre) Rejniblican.
Adam Hublej 's journal was published in the
appendix to Miner's "History of Wyoming."
The diary of John Jenkins, a lieutenant in
Capt. Spalding's Independent Wyoming
Company, and guide to the expedition, is in
the possession of Hon. Steuben Jenkins, of
Wyoming.
The writer of this particular journal, Will-
iam McKendry, was a lieutenant in a Massa-
chusetts reuiment in active service during
the years 1^77-1780. The original journal
is now owned by Mr. William Henry Mc-
Kendry, oi Ponkapoag, Mass., of the Har-
vard class of lb82.
The wnt«r was at Cherry Valley at the
time of the massacre. He was with Clinton's
column in Sullivan's expedition. He con-
tributes some valuable and interesting infor-
mation, while many of the brief notes of
engagements with the Indians are as fascin-
ating as tiction. Here is a thrilling entry
dated November 11, made at Cherry Valley:
"Alarm at 11 o'clock. Mr. Hammell coming
from the Beaver Dam was tired upon by ye In-
dians and was wounded. Being on horse he
escaped to ihe fort half a mile distant, and
alarmed Col. Alden. Immediately came on
442 Indians from the Five Nations, 200
Tories, under command of one Col. Butler
and Capt. Brant: attacked headquarters.
Killed Col. Alden and 14 men. Took Col.
Stacy prisoner, also Lieut. Col. Hoiden and
14 men. Killed of ye inhabitants, 30 persons:
took 34 inhabitants prisoners. Burnt 20
houses, 25 barns, 2 mills. N. B. A rainy
day. Nov. 12. Sent out and fetched in Col.
Alden and buried him under arms with
tiring three vollies o?er his grave. Brant
came with 100 Indians to attack fort ye
second time, but receiving two or three shots
from the cannon crave back. Left ye fort at
3 pm. and brought in a No. of dead bodies.
Nov. 13. Brought in Hugh Mitchell's wife
and four children, all scalpt, with a No. of
other dead bodies."
The entries relative to the passing of the
victorious army through Wyoming on its
return, in October, 1779, is interesting, but
not given with as much detail as could be de-
sired.
On Oct. 4 the army, after a short but thcr-
ough campaign of 36 days had left Fort Sul-
livan i Tioga ion its return to Easton, the
soldiers taking the precaution to destroy the
fort or stockade before evacuating if. The
entries then go on as follows:
38
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Oct. 4th. This morning the Army Marchd.
and left Fort Sullivan at 9 (> Clock for Wy-
oming— came over scrub land this day —
Passd. a defile on the brink of the river
whore a narrow path on the steep side of a
largo mountain about 200 feet perpendicu-
lar which made it very dangerous to pass;
and was a sollid rock three horses with their
loads fell off and dashed to pieces in the
River — Proceeded, on and encampt on the
point of the river — Some rain this day and
very hard this night — Came 25 miles this day
— Part of the troops came in the boats.
October 5th. This morning LI O Clock
the troops all embarkd on board the boats,
excepting a No. to drive the Cattle, and take
down the pack-horses Proceeded down the
river and encampt 7 miles below Wylucee
the boats came on very well, this day passd
some bad rapids — This river on the sides is
very mountany and opposite on the other
side some small flatts — Some of these moun-
tains 300 feet perpendicular — Came 21 miles
this day.
October 6th. This morning the troops
movd on at 0 0 Clock proceeded down this
river and encampt west side of the same on
a piece of land that was cleared by girding
the trees and was coverd with English grass
—Came 30 Miles.
October 7th. This morning the Army
movd on and arrive! at Wyoming 12.0'
Clock A. M. and encampt on a pine plain —
the troops drew half a pint of Whiskey each
— This river is very mountany. on the sides
of it and opposite these mountains on the
other side, some small flats which are very
rich and good land, those tiarts from Tioga
to Wyoming have all been improvd and
clear'd by girdling, but the houses are all
burnt by the Indians — This Wyoming is
pleasantly situated on both sides of the
river and the land near the same very good
— Came 15 miles, making in the %vhole 91
miles from Tioga to this place by water.
October 10th (Sunday) The Army marchd
and left the ground 3.0'clock P. M. for Eas-
ton — Came over a large mountain very
rocky and some muddy sloughs Arrivd. at
Bullocks-Earm at along meadow 11. O'clock
at night where the troops encampt — Came 7
miles this day.
October 15th. Arrivd at Easton 1. O'clock
P. M.
In 1780 the great "Pumpkin Flood"' inun-
dated the entire Valley and did much damage.
In 1820 the population of the county was
20,027.
In 1820 the coal trade increased rapidly,
aud the Baltimore Coal Company was organ-
ized.
In 1829 the first county bank, the "Wyom-
ing Bank," at Wilkes-Barre, commenced
business.
AVIII.N I5KRWICK WAS J DINDEI).
Evidence Tending to Show Thai tin- Recent
Centennial Was si Year Ahead of Time.
Editor Record: There having been ex-
hibited lately some diversity of opinion as to
the time of thy settlement of the Town of
Berwick. I have concluded to add to the con-
fusion already existm^' upon the subject, by
giving what was said about it upwards of
eighty years ago.
Thomas Cooper, one of the Pennsylvania
Commissioners, under the act of 1799,
known as the ''Compromising Law," in the
performance of his duties wrote under date:
"NoRTHUMBERLANDjJan. 18, 1803. — A part
of the Town of Berwick stands on a tract of
land taken up under Pennsylvania by Evan
Owen, who laid out that town, and who. I
understand, is now at Lancaster making his
complaints on this subject, and who, to my
knowledge, most egregiously exaggerates
the importance of the case as will soon be
perceived. A part of this tract and of the
town of Berwick is included in the
Town of Salem. General Steele, Mr. Wilson
and myself directed Mr. Sambonrne, the
surveyor, to run out the lines of interference.
They can give evidence respecting it. Mr.
Sambourne's return to me makes the busi-
ness quite insignificant, but whether more
or less, I had to decide on principles that
have no relation to the quantum of the dis-
pute. I held this case under advisement on
the following ground: It appeared in evi-
dence before me, by the voluntary deposi-
tion of Evan Owen himself, that he made his
commencement of settlement on the tract of
land whereon the Town of Berwick now
stands, on the 10th day of May, 1787. the
Confirming Law having passed on the 27th
day of March preceding. It appeared to me
that this Confirming Law was public and
legal notice to him of an opposite and older
title, then recognized by the Legislature,
and that he settled at his peril. He took up
the land and settled it, knowing of a prece-
dent title. Thomas Cooper."
This letter will be found recorded at large
in the office of the Secretary of Internal
Affairs at Harrisburg. in volume I, relating
to Wyoming lands, p. 152. It would seem
to be satisfactory evidence of the time when
the Town of Berwick was laid out.
Steuben Jenkins.
Wyoming, Sept. 17, 1880.
In 1791 a fatal form of typhus fever raged
along the Susquehanna. Whole families fell
victims to it.
In 1773 the first marriage in Wilkes-Barre
(white) occured this year in the Denison fa-
mily, and the first birth followed it.
In 1812 the first church erected and com-
pleted in the Public Square, Wilkes-Barre,
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
30
The Old WilK<s.K;u re Academy.
EpiTOR B eoobd: Ad article in t! *e Record
recently headed "Text-Books of the Old
Academy" was peculiarly interesting to me,
a Btudent in Wiikes-Barre fifty years ago. It
brought to my mind vis idly reminiscences
of the olden tune, the quaint buildings, the
early pedagogues, the somewhat crude books
and methods of teaching, and the mischiev-
ous scholars, some of whom have since risen
to eminence in church and State.
The writer of the article referred to went
back to a period less than fifty years ago, as
1 saw no reference to the old "yellow Acad-
emy," which to me and doubtless toothers
who remember it, is attended with more an-
cient, and therefore hallowed, associations.
At the time I entered it, the old building was
in a dilapidated condition through extreme
age and bad usage by the scholars — one of
whom had made two or three unsuccess-
ful attempts to end. its existence by
conflagration. The structure was one of
four public buildings which then occupied
the square, viz: The court house, "fire-proof"
(in which the county offices were located)
the M. E. Church and the academy. Run-
ning through the square at right angles, were
Main and Market Streets; on the latter a
long gable-end building. with roof supported
by pillars, constituted the public market
house. All these buildings were of a style
of architecture peculiar to the Pennsylvania
Dutch towns of that period, and beyond the
power of any imagination to describe, though
I can see them now clearly in my mind's
eye. The schools taught in the academy
were excellent for the time, and as I have
said, many eminent men were fully prepar-
ed for college within its uncouth walls. The
names of the teachers, I cannot recall," ex-
cept the principal, Deacon Sylvester Dana,
a graduate of Yale, and a most ex-
cellent preceptor. With great kindness of
heart and much patience, he was yet ve<-y
thorough and severe. The discipline of his
school was maintained at all hazards, and
woe to the scholar who disputed his author-
ity. His mode of punishment was the raw-
hide, a plentiful supply of which was always
kept at Mr. Auhoiser's store on the west side
of the square. I remember on one occasion
going to the store tor one which Mr. Dana
used to chastise the late Judge Walier.
Amoii" the names of those who were attend-
ing the academy are J. Butler Oonynghan,
Frank Bntler, Charles Collins, C. P. Waller,
George G. Waller, Sam McCarra-
gher, S. H. Lynch, Tom Smith,
Bob Wright, Ed Butler, Charley Chapman,
W. L. Conyngham and Jonathan Bulkeley.
The latter had an experience at one time
with the deacon's rawhide winch resulted in
the indictment of the teacher. A number
of the scholars were summoned as witnesses
before the Grand Jury, and I well re-
member how awestricken we ^ero as one by
one we appeared in the august presence of
the jurymen to give our testimony, but the
case was settled before it came lo trial, and
Jonathan ceased to be a member of tho
school.
According to my recollection the old
building was demolished in 1830, and for
two or three years the school was kept in a
part of the old Morgan Hotel, on Kiver
Street. A brick building ot more modern
pretensions and appointments was erected
on the old site, and that gave place with the
other buildings on the square to the present
court house. C. E. L.
Carbondale, Oct. 15, 1836.
The Old Hollenback House.
Apropos of the disappearance of the old
Hollenback house on Franklin and North-
ton Streets, it was thought that a few facts
relative to the building and history of the
old landmark would be interesting. Thor-
ough inquiry, however, failed to reveal the
exact date or the architect or builder of it.
Several gentlemen in town who are familiar
with local history, agreed that the date of
construction was about 1846. At the time
it was built it v as considered a magnificent
mansion, outrivaling any other dwelling in
town; and, in fact, the length of time re-
quired to tear it down this summer, and its
excellent condition, vouch for the skill and
conscientiousness of its builder, whoever he
was. This was the last home of George M.
Hollenback, who was so long identified with
local interests.
The most prominent event remembered in
connection with the old Hollenback house is
the Centennial Tea Party of 1676. Ou this
occasion everyone who had books, letters, or
any articles whatever, of interest relating to
the early history of the town or valley,
were brought to the Hollenback house and
they were arranged in rooms by a committee
of ladies. Some very interesting, as well as
ancient, relics of the long ago in this vicinity
were there on exhibition, and everyone at-
tended the tea party, which was as great a
success as the other famous one of 1770 in
Boston.
The Elmira Advertiser has been publish-
ing a series of historical reminiscences under
the title of "Letters of Uncle Jonas
Lawrence." The author is John L. Sextan.
Esq., of Blossburg, Tioga Co.. Pa., who
deals %vith many of the towns and villages
on both sides the line between New York and
Pennsylvania. The letters have just been
issued in book form by the Advertiser.
In 1611 the first nail factory was erected
in Wilkes-Barre.
-10
Till: HISTOlilCAL liKCOliD.
A Former W 11 kes-I Jarre Pastor in Town.
A Rkcoiid man Wednesday had a conver-
sation at. the Wyoming Valley Hotel with an
agreeable and well-preserved eentleman
who some 40 years ago lived in Wilkes-Kane
for a few months. ILis name is Rev. Dr.
Charles D. Cooper, and he is rector of the
Holy Apostles' Church, Philadelphia. Dr.
Cooper has some very interesting reminis-
cences of Wilkes-Barre. he having spent part
of the year L847 as rector of St. Stephen's.
He was preceded by Rev. Dr. Claxton, of
holy memory, and succeeded by the late la-
mented and beloved Rev. George D. Miles.
Dr Cooper gives a very graphic description of
Wilkes- Barre, as it was 40 years ago, though
he sees now in the bustling city of 35.000
people scarcely a trace of the little tumble-
down village which Wilkes-Barre was at
that time. He and his good wife came here
in 1847 by stage, leaving Philadelphia
at 3 arm, and by easy relays reaching here on
the third day. Dr. Cooper was the guest
for a time of the late Judge Conyngham's
family and he formed many delightful ac-
quaintances, including the elder Judge
Woodward's family. Wnile he was most
favorably impressed with the people
he was not so similarly im-
pressed with the town. It seem-
ed inacessible to railroads, had no percepti-
ble resources and he saw nothing in the fu-
ture to encourage a young man and a
stranger to cast his lot here. Accordingly
he concluded to seek a wider and more
promising held and he went to Philadelphia
(by stage toPottsville and thence by rail to the
Quaker City. ) Dr. Cooper occupies a promin-
ent position in the diocese of Pennsylvania.
He is impressed not only oy the general pro-
gress in Wilkes-Barre but by the remarkable
growth of his old parish, he considering St.
Stephen's one of the strongest parishes in
the diocese of Central Pennsylvania. He
never anticipated a time when as now, the
rector of St. Stephen's would have an out-
lying field requiring four assistants. The
doctor regrets the absence of Piev. Henry L.
Jones at Genera! Convention. He is accom-
panied by Mrs. Cooper and a lady friend.
Dr. Cooper's coming was very quiet but now
that his whereabouts have been made known
by the Recokd he will doubtless be called
upon this morning by some of the gentle-
men whose fathers he knew and who were
onlybovs in 1847. — W.-B. Record, Oct. 21.
Rev. U. W. Condit is the author of a his-
tory of Easton, which is being printed in
parts at 50 cents each. Part 5 is devoted
mainly to the Lutheran Church history of
the town. A biography of Hon. George
Taylor is also given. The illustrations are:
St. Paul's Church, St. Peter's Church, the
'"Pot Rock and Eddy" and a profile of
George Taylor.
Ilii
1 Puhlical iom
Centenary Memorial of the Erection of the
Countj nf Dauphin and the Founding of the
City <.f Harrisburg, hilltecl bj William 11. Egle,
M. 1)., 8 vo., p. 3w7.
This is the title of a volume giving a com-
plete record oi the celebration last j<ar, pre-
pared under the auspices of the Dauphin
County Historical Society. The volume con-
tains a full account not only of the prelimin-
ary meetings and addresses, but complete
reports of the imposing ceremonies of that
celebration, and of the antiquarian exhi-
bition, which was so successful' a feature of
the event. The edition is limited to 400
copies at S3 each. The proceeds of the sale
of the book are to go to a fund for the es-
tablishment of a public library.
A Philadelphia firm are making arrange-
ments for the publication of a history of
Susquehanna County. We hope it is not one
of the bogus histories with which so many
counties have been cursed and which charge
an exhorbitant price and fail to give satis-
faction after all. Miss Blackmail's history
of the county is not yet out of print and
should be patronized before the people
throw their money into the coffers of an out-
side party. We believe in protection to home
industry to the fullest extent. It is announced
m the Montrose Independent that '"a number
of leading citizens of the county will assist
in the preparation,'' and the chapter on the
medical profession will be written by Dr.
Calvin C. Hawley, of Montrose.
We learn from the Doylestown Intelli-
gencer that Bucks is to have its history pre-
pared by an Ohio firm. If their experience
is anything like that in Luzerne the Bucks
County people will wish they had let "patent"
histories alone.
The Magazine of American History for
September is both a surprise and a delight.
With the first opening of its beautiful pages
one is ushered into an unique portrait gal-
lery, and makes or renews acquaintance with
a long line of brilliant public characters A
more entertaining contribution to magazine
literature than Mrs. Lamb'- "Illustrated
Chapter of Beginnings" it would be hard to
find. It is the history of an old historic in-
stitution important to the whole country,
and contains just precisely the information
wanted by thousands of intelligent readers
in various parts of the land— it is a graphic
and historical sketch never before presented
so concisely and effectively.
Dr. Egle's Xotes <(,"i Queries in the Har-
risbnrg°2,V/<v/rap/i tor Aug. 14 contains an
article on "Pennsylvania Anti-Revolutionary
Currency," "Records of Bmdnagle Church,"
story of a good Indian of doubtful existence
and an account of the Enders Mouumental
Association.
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO
ZU J£atl£ Tbtetors of Miming Dalles
AND CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY
WITH
NOTES AND QUERIES
R] OGKAPH ICAL, ANTIQUARIAN, GeNEALOGICA L
o
EDITED BY F. C. JOHNSON, M. D.
Vol. i] November 1886 [No. 3
WILKES-EARKK, PA.
press et Ubc m.\lbcs*3Bnvvc IRccorD
MDCCCLXXXVI
::al Recor
Compiled from the Wilkes-Barre Record
SUBSCRIP'] EON :
$1.50 Per Year, in Advance, Single Copies Fifteen Cents.
Address all Communications to
THE RECORD,
W I. L K E S- B A RRE, PA .
Vol. I. NOVEMBER, 18S6. No. 3.
Contents iv
Joseph Brant \ 1 -4 ;
Aboriginal Stone Implements - 45-47
Valuable Archaeological Collection 47
Recollections of" Sam Wright 47
Masonic F u neral in 1779 - • - 4-
How We Acquired Our Domain 49-50
Burial Ground at White Haven 50
The Old Sullivan Road 50
The Battle of Germantown 50
Nanticoke Presbyterian Church 5 1
Jenkins Family of Rhode Island 51
Fortunes Awaiting Claimants 52
Mr. Loop's Coon Sausage Dinner 52
Biographies of the Successful Candidates 53~5^
Recent Deaths 56-60
Dr. A. A. Hodge, L. D. Sturdevant, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowman, Orilla
Waller Beebe, John Wroth, Isaac Ripple^ Robert M'D. Shoemaker,
R. R. Snowden.
Survey for Ki n gston , 60
Some Old Newspaper Clippings 60
Wilkes-Barre Schools Fifty Years Ago 61-62
State Historical So :iety Reception 62
Biographical Sketch of W. R. Loop 62-63
Colonial Secretary T hompson 65
The Qsterhout Free Library 63-64
Caleb E. Wright's New Dock 64
PENNSYLVANIA GENEALOGIES, TJ1ST0R1 : OF : SUSQUEHANN.
J Scotch, Irish and German, -* -* COUNTY, PA..
By WILLIAM HENRY EGLE, M. D., M. A.,
Harrisburg, Lam* S. Hart, Printer and Binder.
1880. Pp. 720 Octavo.
From a period proceeding its settlement to
recenl tiroes. Including the annals and
raphy of each township,
Indexed in detail. The result of 15 years con-
scientious and laborious research. with m**>* and ^merons
illustrations.
Price So, cloth bound, gilt top, uncut edge.
Copies can be had of the author. pY irniijjY C. BLACKMAN.
PJISTORY of HANOVER TOWNSHIP, Claxtqn, Remsen and Havfilfingek,
Philadelphia, 1873.
IN
LUZERNE COUNTY, PENN'A.
INCLUDING
Though out of print a few copies of this valu-
SUGAR NOTCH, ASHLEY AND NANTICOKE
BOROUGHS a"^e work, which the Record doe6 not h< -
and also a to pronounce one of the most valuable contri-
HISTORY OF WYOMING VALLEY, ' Mftnw „*„„».„„,
bntions to the history of Old Wyoming, are
HENRY BLACKMAN PLC MR, still obtainable of the anthor, at her home in
Sugar NGteh,.:Pa. Mont?ro<?p Pa
Robert Baur, Printer, Wilkes- Parre, Pa., 1885. " '^ '
Octavo, Pp. 500. Price 82,50, Prick S3 in cloth, 84 in leather.
THE MAGAZINE OF AMERICAN TT I ST ORICAL MAGAZINE BINDERY.
1 HISTORY. 11
MONTHLY, ILLUSTRATED, FIVE DOLLARS A YEAR. ()LD HISTORICAL MAGAZINES,
EDITED BY MRS. MARTHA J. LAMB, RECORDS,
30 Lafayette Place, FOREIGN AND AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS.
-New Yobk City.
It deals with every problem in American His- bound in a manner suitable fob the
tory, from the most remote period to the present, uncut edges in
Its contribution- are from iho pens of the able >1 ' X"F- ftxra UNCCi t .s i>
and most accompli in :re..-abh writers, and CALF. RUSSIA, MORROCCO AND LIBRARY
they are timely and diversified, fr< h, scholarly, ., fi ., . ly%„, „ s„ , ,.+l
useful and captivating The m< athij numbers Wlth hru*h to correspond, with
gathered into hi.:-.- •■■•-;■...■;■ bound volumes, form GILT EDGES or GILT TOPS, MARBLE
a unique and valuable ubrarj oi the I Mory ot . m,>™.
the country. TOPS, RED TOPS, SPRINKLED TOPS.
Ail pages examined carefully.
JLjTISTOflV OF THE LACKAWANNA ^^ ^^ ^ tQ ^ ^^ of oU
VALLE i . Engravings, Maps, Drafts and Pages of
By H. HOLLISTER, M. D., readin* ^atter wl?ch raay haTe
become torn.
WITH 30 ILLUSTRATIONS. Aj] pnblicatipIls of the pre,ent day neatiy ami
Fifth 1'dition, Revised and Enlarged. substantially bound.
printed by General Blank Rook Manufacturer.
, . „, . . . „,,„ ,,. Bii ;r for Wyoming Historical Society,
J. B. LIPPENCOTT COMPANY, Correspondence solici
Philadelphia, L8S5.
J. W. EAEDERy
Pa-ex 543, Octavo, price $■ — Address the 7 ASD 9 MABKET STREET,
author at Scranton, Pa. Wilkes-Babre, Pa.
XCbe historical IRecorb
Vol. I
NOVEMBER, 1886.
No. 3.
JOSEPH BRANT.
Unveiling His Monument at Krautford,
Cauada-^-New Facts in the Life of the
Famous (Chief— Denial that he was in
tin- Wyoming Massacre of July 3, 17 78.
The question whether the Mohawk chief,
Brant, was at the battle of Wyoming has
never yet been answered to the satisfaction
of all. Authorities differ, most historians
insisting that Brant was not here, others,
(prominently Hon. Steuben Jenkins) claim-
ing with equal earnestness to the contrary.
As the decades have gone by the effort to re-
lieve Brant's memory from its former
odium has never tor a moment been relin-
quished, and it is not surprising that last
month when a monument was unveiled in
his honor at Brantford, Ontario, it was an-
nounced authoritatively that he had no hand
in the atrocities at Wyoming. The Post-
Express, of Rochester, N. Y., under date of
Oct. 14. gives an excellent historical sketch
of the famous Mohawk chieftain, and we
take pleasure in laying it before our readers
Mr. E. S. Loop having kindly favjred us
Math a copy of thepaper referred to:
i.
BfiAKTFOBD, Ont., Oct. 13.— Your corre-
spondent arrived at this place yesterday and
found, as he anticipated, other persons from
'The States," drawn here by the same at-
traction, namely, the unveiling of the monu
men! to Joseph Brant, who was once the
most famous man of the Genesee country.
The ceremonies began this morning and
will last two days. V\ nile we are waiting for
them let me give you as condensed a sketch
as I can of the career of the Indian chieftain
whose memory has never received justice at
our prejudiced hands.
According to tradition the celebrated Mo-
hawk war-chief Joseph Brant— whose Indian
name whs Thayendanega — was born in the
year 174:2, on the banks of the Ohio River.
where Ins people were temporarily sojourn-
ing. The home of his family was at the
Canajoharie Castle, in the .Mohawk Valley,
and his mother returned there while Josenh
was quite young. There are varying state-
ments regarding his father and the origin of
his name: but Stone produces considerable
evidence m his "Life of Brant," m relation to
the ancestry of his subject, and very justly
remarks that "from such a body of testi-
mony, direct and circumstantial, it ia haz-
arding but very little to assert that Joseph
Brant was of the noblest de-cent
anion g his nation." It would appear from
evidence presented that Thayendanega's
father was a distinguished warrior: some-
times called Aroghyadagha and at others
Nickns Brant, who became sachem of the
Moha ■< ks on the death of King Hendrick in
1755. \roghyadagha had three sons in the
Enelish army, and his daughter, Mollie,
became the Indian wife of Sir William
Johnson, then British superintendent of In-
dian affairs in North America. It is evident
that Thayendanega himself possessed some
knowledge of his origin through family
tradition for he distinctly declared that he
"was born of Indian parents," and Marshall
says, in Ins "Denonville Expedition," that
while stopping near the present village
of Victor, X. Y., about 1797, the noted
Mohawk chieftain informed several persons
that his grandfather guided the French army
under Denonville — that destroyed the Seneca
town on BonghtOn Hill many years before —
f-orn Irondequoit Bay to Bonghton Hill.
Brant also visited the locality where the
Senecas ambuscaded Denonville, and
pointed out the field of battle: facts then
unknown to historians but long afterward
confirmed by the researches of O.H. Marshall
and the original accounts of Denonville and
hi- officers.
There are no definite accounts of the early
youth of Thayendanega. but from all that is
known he must have been a lad of uncom-
mon enterprise. When but 13 years of age
he joined the Mohawk warriors under Sir
William Johnson, and received his baptismal
tire at the battle of Lake George, where the
brave King Hendrick was killed. This was
during the old French and Indian war of
1754-1764, which was the result ot a strug-
gle between France and England to obtain
and retain possession and control of the
water-sheds and water-routes of the interior
of America from the mouth of the St.
Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico.
At the time hostilities commenced,
the French occupied stations on
Niagara River, along French Creek and
Allegany River, between Fort Presque Isle
on Lake Erie and the Ohio: to the great dis-
quietude of the Six Nations whose northern
and western borders were constantly in dan-
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
ger of incursions by the French and their
Indian allies. The Seuecas constituted the
great northwestern barrier of the Iroqnois
con:ederacy, and Sodus, Irondequoit, Gen-
esee Hiver, Braddocks' Bay, Niagara,
Buffalo, Presque Isle, and some minor
ports were open doors requiring the con-
stant presence of vigilant sent nels; while
the site of Rochester was noted as tho lo-
cation of the two fords where many
trails converged, and whore all parties
passing in this vicinity crossed the Genesee.
During the continuance of the wars Indian
scouts and war parties were constantly mov-
ing through the great wilderness from Lake
Cham plain to Niagara and the Ohio, and the
trails of the Genesee were often warm with
the pressure of moccasined feet.
There is reason to belie re that menbers of
Nickus Brant's family were familiar with
the Genesee trails, and Stone gives the fol-
lowing excerpt from the nnvate journal of
Sir Wm. - Johnson: "1757. Nov. 4 Cana-
diorha, alias Nickus Brant's son, who was
in quest after DeConague as far as Oneida,
came here (Fort Johnson) and said
he inquired what news was stirring
among the Oneidas. One of the sachems
told him .... about the French
intending to stop the powder
from the Six Nations — building a fort near
Chennessio — etc., that it made a great noise
among the nations and gave them uneasi-
ness; wherefore, they were assembled often
at Chennessio and keeping great councils
among themselves how to act in this affair
of last moment, etc." The name of Brant
is inseparably connected with the aboriginal
history of the Genesee country: and, though
the records of his presence here are meagre, #
we know that from infancy to old age Thay'
endanega was often on the foot and canoe
trails of tho Genesee valley. Feck's history
of Rochester, page 08, says: "July 1st, 175i),
Gen. Frideaux, with Sir William Johnson
second in command, left Oswego with an
army of 2,000 men and 500 Indians on an ex-
pedition against Fort Niagara at the mouth
of the Niagara River, then occupied by the
French. The expedition was supplied with
heavy artillery and all necessary equipments
for a protracted siege, and was transported
in vessels, batteaux and canoes. Coaling
the south shore of Lake Ontario the iirst
night's encampment was made at Sodus, the
second at Irondequoit, and the third at Brad-
dock's Bay — which latter place was then
Frideaux Bay, in honor of the English com-
mander who was killed a few days later dur-
ing the siege." Joseph Brant, then about 17
years of age, was in the Mohawk contingent
that accompanied the expedition, and is
said to have acquitted himself with "dis-
tinguished bravery" during the campaign.
Especial mention is made of the good be-
havior of the Indians—of whom Brant was
one— in the open field engagement of July
24th, when the French reinforcements under
D'Aubrey suffered a disastron.s defeat.
Brant received an English education through
the -liberality of Sir William Johnson, who
employed him in public business for several
years and contributed to his advancement
until he became a leading man of the
Mohawk nation.
At the beginning of the revolutionary war
Tryon county included all of the colony of
New Vork west and soul Invest of Schenec-
tady, with the county seat at Johnstown, the
residence of Sir William Johnson, who died
suddenly on the 24th of June, l"/74, and was
succeeded in his title and estate by his son,
Sir John Johnson. The official position?
of superintendent of the Indian department,
and maj )r-general of militia, held by Sir
William, were conferred on his sonin-law
Col. Guy Johnson, and Joseph Brant
was made secretary to Guy Johnson. The
leading and influential men of Tryon county
at that date were Sir John and Col. John
Johnson, their brother-in-law Col. Dan-
iel Clans, Col. John Butler and his
son. Walter N. Butler— all bitter partisans
of the king. \\i 170;^ the Mohawks number-
ed 160 warriors, the Oneidas 250, Tuscaroras
140, Onondagas 150. Cayugas 200 and
Senecas 1,050. For many years they had re-
ceived their supplies through Sir William
Johnson, gone to him for advice and coun-
sel, and looked upon him as an oracle. At
his death their affections A'ere transferred
to his family and successors. They had been
taught to reverence the name of the king.
believed him all powerful, and considered
the officers of the crown their best friends.
Hence it was but natural that they should
side with the British in the contest between
king and colonists. In 1775 Guy Johnson,
Col. John Butler, his son Walter and other
tories, Brant and a number of Mohawks
moved to Fort Stanwix, (Rome;
thence to Ontario. Oswego and Montreal.
Sir John Johnson subsequently followed
them, and returning to Oswego raised two
battalions of tories known as Royal Greens,
while Colonel Butler recruited a body of
loyalists terme 1 rangers. These troops and
those Indians of the Six Nations who took
up arms under the English standard, ravag-
ed Tyron County with relentless fury during
the war. Brant was commissioned a captain
in the British service, and visited England
in 1775. Returning to America early in
1776 he entered into the conflict with all the
force of his liery nature, and was speedily
recognized as the pyiucipal war chief and
master spirit of the British Indian
allies. His name was associate:!
with every affair in which Iudians
were engaged — often unjustly— and became
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
4B
the terror of the American border. The
Seneeas being the moat popular of the Six
Nations and farthest from the theater of
war, their settlements on the Genesee be-
came a secure retreat whence many expe-
ditious were projected. The precise date with
the Mohawks settled in the Seneca coun-
try is not positively known, but it is sup-
posed that they came directly from Cana-
joharie at the time Juhusou, Butler and
Brant moved to F<ut Stanwix in 1775. They
located near the Niagara River at Lewis ton,
and formed a considerable village along the
Ridge on the present road between
the old academy building and the
mountain road leading up Indian hill
to the Tuscarora reservation. Brant's resi-
dence was a block house that ptood near
"Brant's spring" on the former Isaac Cook
farm. On their removal the Mohawks car-
ried with them a bell taken from the church
at Canajoharie. They built a log church at
Lewiston and hung the bell on a pole sus-
pended from the crotch of a tree. Fort
Niagara was then the headquarters of the
British, and there, and at Brant's Mohawk
village, were concocted many of the
schemes of rapine and carnage that devas-
tated the distant borders of American civili-
zation.
During Brant's absence in June, 1778. Col.
Butler with his Tory Rangers and a detach-
ment of Sir John Johnson's Royal Greens,
marched from Fort Niagara to the Genesee
castle at the contluence of the Genesee River
and Can&seraga Creek, where they were
joined by 500 Indians under Gi-en-gwah-toh
(He-who-goes-in-the smoke) a prominent
Seneca chief. The expedition moved up the
Canaseraga Valley, down theConhocton and
Chemung to Tioga Point, embarked upon the
Susquehanna and landed about twenty miles
above Wyoming which place was attacked
and destroyed with terrible slaughter. The
route pursued by Butler's expedition was
the one usually followed by the British and
their savage allies when making forays upon
Eastern settlements, and on their return.
with captives and plunder, to the Genesee
and Niagara. Occasionally the northern
trails were used between Canaseraga Creek
and Lake Ontario, and war parties not uu-
trequently crossed the site of Rochester.
Butler's Rangers were at IrondeqUoit Bay-
several times, and their finai exit from the
lower Genesee was through the present
boundaries of the city. "During the revo-
lution," said Mary Jemison, who then resid-
ed at the Genesee castle, "my house was the
home of Colonel Butler and Brant, whenever
they chanced to come into our neighborhood,
as they passed to and from Fort Niagara,
which was the seat of their military opera-
tions. Many and many a night I have
pounded samp for them from sunset till sun-
rise, and furnished them with the necessary
provisions and clean clothing for their
journey."
ii.
The atrocities committed at Wyoming
Cherry Valley and other frontier settle-
ments, induced congress to attempt the de-
struction of all the towns of the Six Nations
in the British interest. In 1770 Gen. Sulli-
van invaded their countrv, and on hi* march
up the Chemung, near Elmira, encountered
a large force of British and Indians, under
Col. Butler and Brant, which lie defeated.
On the arrival of the army at the head of
Conesus Lake, Gen. Sullivan sent a party,
under command of Lieut. Boyd, to discover
the Genesee Castle. Boyd's party passed
through the lines of Butler's forces, which
lay in ambjsh near the western side of Con-
esus inlet, and reached a deserted Seneca
town near the Canaseraga Creek, undiscover-
ed. On attempting to return the following
morning Boyd was led into the ambush pre-
pared for Sullivan's entire army, his party
cut to pieces, and himself and Sergeant
Parker made captives. Butler— knowing
nothing of Boyd's presence in his rear —
hearing the tiring, supposed that Sullivan
had outflanked aim, and at once retreated.
Boyd had by some means learned that Brant
was a Free Mason, and soliciting an inter-
view with the chief, made himself kuown as
a "brother in distress." The appeal was
recognized, and Brant immediately, and in
the strongest language, assured Boyd that
his life would be spared. Brant, however,
being called on to perform some service
which required a few hours' absence, left
the prisoners iu the charge of Col. But-
ler, who — upon their refusal to answer his
questions — delivered them over to the In-
elians under Little Beard for torture. "Pre-
vious to the arrival of Sullivan's army" (at
the Genesse Castle), says Peck's History of
Rochester, page 71, "the Indians had sent
all their women and children to Silver Lake,
and upon the first appearance of the Ameri-
can troops on the West side of the river the
enemy fled precipitately. Brant, with his
warriors and the British regulars, took the
Moscow trail for Buffalo creek and
Niagara, while the Troy Rangers went
to " the Caledonia springs. From that
place Walker, the noted British
spy was sent to Fort Niagara with instruc-
tions to obtain a sufficient number of boats
to transport the Tories and meet them at the
mouth of the Genesee River. The Rangers
then came down the trail to Red Creek ford
at the rapids in South Rochester, where they
divided into two parties, one going directly
to the lake by the St. Paul street route: the
other over the portage trail to Irondequoit
landing, thence across the country to the
mouth of the Genesee, where the boats from
44
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Niagara found the entire party in a starving
condition some days later "
Niagara remained the headquarters of the
British, and at the close of the war the. Mo-
hawks were still residing on the ridge near
Lewiston, At the cessation of hostilities,
the Senecas offered them a tract of land in
the Genesee Valley, but the Mohawks did
not wish to reside within the boundaries of
the United States, and eventually settled on
the Grand River, in Canada, widen enters
Lake Erie about forty mile? above the falls
of Niagara. Here they received a crown
grant of six miles, breadth from each side of
tho river, beginning at Lake Erie and ex-
tending in that proportion to the head of
the river, about proportion to the
river, about 100 miles. This grant
was doubtless intended solely
for the Mohawks: but other In-
dian? of the Six Nations, including some
who had borne arms against the British and
Mohawks, settled there. The great council
fire of the Iroquois confederacy, which had
been kept burning at Onondaga from time
immemorial, was declared extinguished in
1777 by the Oneidas aud Onondagas. Brant
never resigned his station as principal war
chief of the confederacy, and some years
after the Mohawks settled in Canada: the
council fire was declared rekindled mid re-
located at the Onondaga village on the Grand
river reservation.
After the revolution Brant devoted his
time principally to the interests of his people.
From 1790 to 1800 he was through the lower
Genesee County many times. ( )n his return
from the Niagara River in 1703, William
Hencher, of Charlotte, stopped at a camp-
ing ground, on the site of ancient Teg-a-tai-
nasgh-que, where the village of Caryor Oak-
field now stands, and there found Brant with
a white Servant. The chief wss well dressed
after the fashion of white men: but before
they parted he changed his dress entirely,
putting on on Indian dress, and getting
Tuscarora Charles I an Indian accom-
panying Hencher) to paint him like an
Indian warror: as he preferred to meet the
Indian* at Tonawanda like one of them-
selves. Enos Stone, in his reminiscences in
"Phelps and Gorham's Purchase." page 425,
relates a similar incident. "In an early
day," he says, "I was stopping with my
brother, Orange." The latter lived Ml "The,
Rock and Tree" East Avenue east of Brigh-
ton village. "Chauncey Hyde and uyself
were out hunting cattle. We saw a smoke
rising at the Irondequoit landing and went
down to it. We found that it proceeded
from an Indian camp: as we approached it
two Indians rose up from a coach, one of
whom especially attracted our attention.
His camp equipage we thought rather
extraordinary for an Indian. He was
also dressed — partly as a white man, and
partly as an Indian — bid us good morning
with great civility, and displaying a gold
watch and trimmings, observed that being
wearied he had overslept. He soon an-
nounced himself as Joseph Brant, on his
way from Burlington bay to Canandaigua.
Having arrived in a boat he had sent Indian
runners to Canandaigua lor horses, and'was
waiting their return. He accepted an invi-
tation and came up with us to my brother's.
His familiar conversation and gentlemanly
manners soon convinced us that he was not
the savage we had conceived him to be,
from accounts we had heard and read
of him, in connection with the bor-
der wars. He quieted our apprehensions
of any farther Indion troubles by assnriug
us that as the Senecas had sold their lands
to the whiles, the bargain should be carried
out in good faith and the new settlements
should not be molested. He manifested
much interest in all that was going on in
this region, and inquired where now settle-
ments were commencing. The visit gave us
great pleasure and quieted oar fears. In
person Joseph Brant bore a close resem-
blance to General Brady of the United
States Army."
To return to the day and the occasion
which brings me here, I can truthfully say
that t his is the most notable gathering of
tho Six Nations since the revolution. There
are here from Canada and the United States
several thousand delegates together with
Crees, Bloods, Piegans and Bla«-kfeet from
northwest territory under Col. McDonald
and Interpreters P. Hourie and J. L. Heu-
reux. Many distinguished Canadians and
Americans are here. The procession at 12
o'clock marched through the principal
streets to Victoria Square. It included the
Duflerin Ritles, chiefs, warriors, Indian
bands, the Brant Memorial Association, dis-
tinguished guests. Eieutenant-Governor
Robinson, the Bnrford Cavalry, Gen-
eral Sir T. Middleton. president of
the Memorial Association, the mayor, coun-
cil, warden and county council. At the
square prayer was offered by 'he Rev. Mr.
Cochrane. After an address by the president
of the association, the monument wa* un-
veiled by the sculptor and twelve cniefs. An
address by the lieutenant governor was fol-
lowed by the singing of the Brant memorial
song. The Mendelssohn Society sang the
memorial ode. Addresses were made by the
chief o the Six Nations, aud general super-
intendent of Indian affairs. The president
of the association finally presented the
monument, which is a magnificent work of
art, to the mayor of Brantford.
George H. Haekis.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
45
ARORItilNAL STQXK IMPLEMENTS.
Some A rah Wo logical Notes of Wyoming
and Lackawanna Valleys, by I>r. H.
HoTUM.'e'r, of Scran ton, whose Cabinet
Embraces 80,000 Specimens.
When the whites iirst entered the solitude
of the Wyoming and Lackawanna wilder-
ness in search of homes in 1762 they
found the occupants representing the
true stone age. No iron, steel or brass
utensils were here: few bone and fewer cop-
per implements had found their way into
the hands of, the self reliant and ingenious
aborigines. Whether the Indian drifted
along the Susquehanna in his canoe or
sought the wigwam he had planned upon its
banks for repose, he looked to his flint-
pointed arrow and spear point, his sling-
stone and his sturdy stone tomahawk for
the sustenance, independence and supre-
macy he enjoyed. They served his purpose
well. The forest swarmed with game as yet
unstartled by the sound of the gun or the
hound, and the streams, unvexed with the
subtlety of seines, abounded with shad and
trout.
Along the Upper Lackawanna four Indian
villages stood one hundred and twenty-four
years ago; the two principal ones were
Capoose at Scranton and Asserughney at the
forks of the Lackawanna with the Susque-
hanna at Pittston, while from Nanticoke to
this point were several. On the Pittston
side no evidence appears of the presence of
the tribal rac^ until Port Blanchard is
reached. Here Miner describes an ancient
fortress with its debris, which was
probably built and nsed by some people
prior to the occupancy of the country
by the red man. Upon the Shawnee flats
and on the spot where Wilkes-Barte now
stands as well as upon the opposite lands,
the wigwams diversified the plains with
their smoke when Zinzendorf, in 174*2, vi-it-
ed Wyoming as a missionary and as the first
white man, to look upon the wild luxuriance
of the fascinating valley.
The Mousey tribe inhabited the La-hr-ha-
na Valley, while the Nantieokes. the Shaw-
nees, the Delawares, with Teedyuscung as
chief, and other clans patrolled Wyoming.
These tribes all belonged to the confedera-
tion of the Six Nations, formed by the union
of the Mohawk^, Senecus, (jnondagas,
Oneidas, Cayugas and the Tuscaroras. whose
council fires illumed the great lakes of
New York, and whose stone contrivances
were of a similar character to those found
here.
No section of country, however, furnished
the student of archaeology greater reward
for his time and labor than that strip of land
lying at the junction of the Lackawanna
with the Susquehanna. The Indian village
of Asserughney stretched from Falling
Spring to the mouth of the Lackawanna, a
distance of half a mile. Here, under the
shailows of Campbell's Ledge, whose summit
served as a lookout for miles, he fashioned
his tent and lived in the deep solitude of his'
forest home, in plenty and safety.
Around this and other deserted villages a
vast amount of stone implements have been
found, after each spring's freshet, during
the last half century. Hon. Steuben Jen-
kins, of Wyoming— than whom there
is no greater archaeologist within the
State — whoso magnificent collection
of Indian relics is only surpassed
by my own of over twenty thousand pieces,
has gathered from the east bank of the Sus-
quehanna every known implement of peace
and every weapon of warfare once owned and
used by the warriors. It is the most fruitful
archaeological field within the two vaileys.
The sliny stone — which some have mis-
taken lor sinkers — found hero in great
abundance, was an oval flat stono with an
indentation in its side for a thong of deer
sinew or twisted grass, which was thrown
with great force and precision against rab-
bits, pheasants, squirrels, turkeys and lesser
game upon all sides. Throwing this stone
made no noise like the report of a rifle and
the result was that all wild animals were
comparatively tame, because they were un-
conscious of fear. The weight of these stone
was from an ounce to three pounds.
The arrow point was the principal weapon
of offense and defence. Of these a hundred
or more varieties, and some of the most ex-
quisite and rare workmanship, h*ve been
washed from the graves and found in perfect
condition. The common arrow uoints, con-
structed from the flinty stone? found on the
banks of our rivers, were affixed to the shaft
of the arrow, about one foot and a half in
length, so that they ?ould be pulled out and
used again if not broken. The serrated or
saw arrow point was used for making ugly
wounds and lacerating blood vessels. There
being no surgeons among the tribes these
skillfully notched points could not be ex-
tracted and would of course produce a lin-
gering death. Trie sharp war point, always
built from silex, was so shaped and affixed
to the arrow that the stem could be taken
from the victim, leaving the point to irritate
and nroduce inflammation and death.
A blunt point was used by the young bucks
to practice with. They were fashioned blunt
for obvious reasons Long and slender
points were used for shooting tish and for
penetrating the vitals of moose, bear and
40
Til E HISTORICAL RECORD.
deer. Smaller ones were used for killing
birds.
A javelin, or large spear point, nine
inches in length and rive inches in width, of
red flint, was found in Capoose Mound in
Scranlon. It had been v<t^i and the tip was
broken in Rome conflict. Its immense size
would indicate a chief as its possessor at the
time of its burial.
A long slender arrow or spear point, seven
inches in length and one and a half in width
was used for killing animals requiring great
penetration of thrust to reach the vital parts.
For agricultural purposes the savages had
a vast quantity of implements, sometimes
rudely made, but always serving the requir-
ed purpose. A pick, or grubbing hoe,
twelve inches in length, with a depression for
a withe handle, served the tiller of the soil in
every exigency. The squaws planted the
corn, hoed the tobacco and vines, and did
all manual labor with patience and ease. A
flat stone hoe, with its sides notched for the
handle, could be used in the sandy soil of
the river banks to great advantage* A pick
ten inches in length was employed in dig-
ging and planting deeper in the gromd. It
was a strong tool and it had great power of ■
resistance. Its weight was about five pounds.
One great source of amusement of the
brave was the pitching of quoits. It not only
afforded him amusement, but by long, steady
habit, made him proficient in throwing the
sling stone and the tomahawk.
Their four weapons of warfare were the
arrow, the battle ax, the death maul and the
tomahawk. A single and a double edged
tomahawk with the wooden handle was
fastened in the deep groove wit h deer skin. In
the strong hands of the Indian they were a for
midable instrument to defend tjieir wigwams
or to meet a foe. They fought from face to
face and the victory was a matter of the
strongest blows.
A scalping or skinning stone could have a
single or a double edge. These stones, found
in all Indian localities, were used for skin-
ning purposes, and they were rubbed or
ground down to an edge sharp as a knife. I
have several hundred in my collection.
Two death mauls, constructed with singu-
lar ingenuity and labor, weighing fifteen
pounds, with a deep depression entirely
around them for the reception of th* handle,
used for killing their captives, were found at
Pittston in 1857.
An Indian mortar or grist mill, for grind-
ing corn into na-samp or samp, was the
primitive mode of pulvervizing corn. This
mortar has a capacity of about two quarts
and weighs about sixty pounds. A few miles
east of Scran ton on Bald Mount are several
holes in the projecting rock, holding two or
three quarts, which were once used by the
Indians for grinding corn.
Pestles varying in length from six inches
to two feet were used for pounding corn.
These were always used by females as no
male deigned to do manual labor. Warfare
and hunting were his only pastime. Some-
times they were made from burned clay, but
generally from stone. The largest one in
my collection weighs ninety pounds and was
used for crushing the corn by rolliug. This
was found at the mouth of the Lackawanna,
while a small one, a foot in length, about
the size of a broom-handle was picked up
at Falling Spring in 1862, by Dr. Sturdevant,
of VVilkes-Barre. Some of these have an
indenture upon one end by which they were
affixed to a bending sapling when used,
and could thus be carried upon the person
of tho owner. All these corn pounders,
some two hundred in number, exhibit great
skill, use and age.
Amulets made from dark seamless stone«,
from four to six inches in length, generally
with a hole through them were worn by
chieftains for personal ornament, and an
emblem of authority, and to ward off dis-
ease and propitiate the gods to send the
tribes good luck. The holes were made for
transportation purposes.
A stone bird, so constructed that it could
be carried by the owner, neatly carved from
gray stone, was found at Throop, above
Scranton. It was worn like the amulet by
the virgin daughters of the chiefs as evi-
dence of royalty, and for the purpose of
charming away danger and insuring good
crops of corn and tobacco. It is about four
inches in length.
A string of wampun and beads were ex-
humed from Capoose Mound some years
ago. They were manufactured from bone
and small shells. In Connecticut, in lbU7,
a certain number of blue ani black beads
was made a legal tender for a penny. In
1G71, this law was repealed.
A ceremonial stone, shaped like a hatchet,
dull on its edge, about six inches long, with
a large hole through the centre for the han-
dle, was carried upon the occasion of a war
dance or marriage, as we carry the American
flag as a part of the ceremony.
Stone rings with a small hole drilled
through the upper portion, weighing about
an ounce, were also worn as decorations
suspended by the neck or from the ear.
No article of luxury, however, was con-
structed with more care, cherished with
holier memories, loved with more constant
fervor than the Indian's pipe. Their calu-
met or pipe of peace was among their most
prized and sacred articles of all .stone imple-
ments of the wigwam. How long the red
man had smoked his pipe along the Mohawk
or the Hudson before the discovery we know
not, but the white man was not cursed with
the knowledge of tobacco until Sir Walter
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
47
Raleigh introduced it into England from
America. A black stone pipe with repre-
sentations of a wolf on one end and a bear
upon the other, the bowl upheld by a warrior
upon either side, and a large. log underneath
the whole, is in my possession with many
others, and it gives the Indian's idea of as-
tronomy,
A large number of stono relics are in my
hands whose name and use I know nothing
about.
The collection of Mr. Jenkins is far
superior to mine in pipes and pottery.
Upon every cheek that ever bloomed aud
smiled beauty will fade, but these memen-
toes of another day and another race,
neglected by many and treasured by but
few, will ever remain in the hands of the
arcrueologist perfect in their simplicity and
beautiful in their silence. H. Hollistek.
offers until Mr. Cu minings offered to buy it
for Lehigh University. Prof. E. 11. Wil-
liams has charge of the collection and ho is
vt ry proud of Mr. Cummings' very fine, do-
nation. It will be known as the Cummings
archa.-ologieal collection.
Valuable Archaeological Collection.
[Bethlehem Times. ]
The Lehigh University ha- been presented
with a valuable archaeological collection
of from 1,500 to 2,000 specimens by Chas.
H. Cummings, of Mauch Chunk. The col-
lection illustrates the weapons and utensils
of the Indian tribes formerly living along
the Susquehanna and in the eastern part
of Pennsylvania. It is particularly valuable
because, instead of being a collection from
ail over the country, with but one or two
specimens from a single loealitj, it is a very
complete collection from a single locality,
and its hows very fully the habits
and local peculiarities of the Indians of this
locality. The collection contains from 50 to
75 perfect specimens of stone axes, both
grooved and ungrooved: a tine
lot of stone mortars and pestles: net sinkers.
banner stones, picks, pipes cooking pots, etc.
The banner stones are curiously cut stones,
which the old Indian chiefs would carry on
the ends of loug sticks. These stones were
to the Indians what our flags are to us. Ac-
companying the collection are the fragments
of an old mound builder's skull, found at
Durande Wis. There are also water jugs
found in a mound near St. Louis, Mo., on
which were trees having 1,000 annular rin^s,
which indicates that the jugs are over 1,000
years old. The collection comprises several
hundred very tine arrow heads and
spear heads, and a great deal of shell
wampum. Mr. Cummings purchased the
collection from Dr. Stubbs. of Oxford. Pa.,
an enthusiast on the subject, who has made
the gathering of this collection a part of his
life work. The doctor was getting old and
so looked about him for somebody who
would buy his collection as a whole and keep
it together. The dealers were very anxious
to get hold of the collection andbr^ak it up
in small lots, but the doctor refused all
Mr. Wilson's Recollections.
Mt. Vernon, ().. Oct. 1, 1886.— Editob
Recokd: I was much interested, among your
other historical matter, in the reminiscences
of Sam. Wright. Sara commenced business
selling small beer and baking on River Streot,
in an old building on the ground where now
stands the John N. Conyngham homestead.
There were three old buildings there, and
River Street was the business street of the
town 05 years ago. The old building was
said to have been washed across the river
in the great pumpkin freshet and landed
down on the flat near the residence of Jabez
Fish (the site of W. L. Conyngham's resi-
dence) and was afterwards moved up to
where it stood on River Street. There were
really three houses: the first my mother lived
in, the second was occupied by Sam. Wright
with his cake aud beer shop: and Jacob
Rudolph occupied the third as a shoe shop.
The old shoe shop now stands on the Conyng-
ham farm and you can tell it to-day by a
large square window in the south end, where
Rudolph did his cutting.
Sam Wright was a good old man. But I
may think so from the fact that he kept me
we'd supplied with good sweet cakes for
doing small errands for him, and he gave
me the first oyster I ever ate. I will never
forget it. It did not stay with me long. The
old man was the friend of all the boys, and
some .f the toniest boys in the town thought
it a great favor to go and sleep with the old
man. The next house north was old Jacob
Cist's stone house, and the next Mr. Cist's
old yellow store: and there is where I saw
the rirst Indian pot I ever saw. It was sit-
ting on the shelf ^vith a hole through the
shelf to make it stand up, and it is now in
the Wyoming Historical and Geological
Socieiy. Next building was Henry Young's
gunsmith shop, and the next the Arndt hotel,
aud then the Hollenback store on the cor-
ner of South and River. Across the street
was the Richardson hotel; on up River
Street was Howe <.fc Dennis' copper ai d tin
shop, and above George Flakes' wagon shop
and tire patterns. So jou see that River
Street was the business street of the town
many years ago. H. C. Wilson.
The Media American publishes in its issue
of October 13, a valuable article by Philip
Lennou on "The Doanes— the notorious out-
laws in Bucks County/' a ceutary and more
48
THE HISTORICAL TiECOUD.
A MASONIC FUNERAL. IN 177.).
First Lodge Met in Northern I'iMins.vlva
nia — Hones of ihe Martyrs Thrice In-
terred.
As au advance detachment of General
Sullivan's army was approaching
the Valley of Wyoming in April,
1779, it was fired on by a small
baud of Indians lying in ambush at a point
near whore General Oliver's powder mills
now are on Laurel Run, and Captain Joseph
Davis and Lieut. William Jones, of a Dela-
ware regiment, were shun. The bodies re-
ceived a hasty burial near the spot where
they fell, for soldiers on the march have little
time to waste on sympathy. On the arrival
of the invading army en route to accomp-
lish its mission of forever wiping out the
power of the once mighty Six Nations in the
State of New York, in the month of July
following, the remains were exhumed and
reburied with imposing Masonic services by
brother Masons belonging to the army. So
far as is known, by either record or tradi-
tion, it was on this occasion that the first
lodge of Free Masons ever met on this side
of the Blue Mountains, was opened in due
and ancient form in Colonel Proctor's
marquee, which was probably pitched
somewhere on what is now the Com-
mon on the river front of our
city, the object being to arrange a funeral
service for the re-interment of their brethren
slain on the mountain the preceding April.
We have no means of knowing whether the
more solemn portion of the Masonic burial
service took place in the secrecy of the
lodge room at that time, as -it does no*\ or
not, but the following account of the impos-
ing ceremony on depositing the bodies in
the grave is copied from the Providence,
Rhode Island, Gazette of Sept. 13, 1779:
"Wyoming, July 31, 177'.j —On Tuesday-
last, the 2fith inst., agreeable to previous de
termination,the bodies of our brethren, Capt.
Joseph Davis and Lieut. William Jones, who
were massacred by savages near this post on
the 23d of April last, were re-interred. This
mark of respect we thought necessary for
the following reasons: it being expressive of
our esteem and their not being buried in the
proper grave-yard. The form of procession
being fixed upon at lodge No. 19, was as
follows:
1. Twenty-four Musketeers with reversed
arms.
2. Two Tylers bearing their swords.
3. A band of music.
4. Two Deacons with wands.
5. Three brethren bearing the orders.
0. The Holy Bible and Book of Constitu-
tions.
7. Two Reverend brothers.
8. The Wor hipful Master, with Hon.
Major General Sullivan.
9. Senior aud Junior Wardens, bearing
their columns.
JO. The Treasurer and Secretary.
11. Past Master.
12. The brethren, two and two.
13. Gentlemen of the Army.
14. Two corps of drams mullled and lifes
playing a solemn dirge.
The brethren were neatly clothed with
jewels, etc., and were in numbers odd of one
hundrt d and fifty. Just as we arrived at the
ground an exceeding easy gust of rain com-
ing up prevented the delivery of a discourse
which had been prepared for the occasion by
Brother William Rogers, a short and suitable
prayer being by him offered up. We then
committed their bodies in Masonic form to
the dust. Afterwards three vollies of small
arms were discharged. The Brotherhood
were attended by the Pennsylvania Regi-
ment of Infantry, commanded by Col.
Habley, as likewise by a great concourse of
people, both inhabitants and soldiery. The
melancholy scene was clothed with the
usual decorum amongst the brethren and
satisfaction to all the bystanders. A stone
being prepared by our brethren Forest and
Story with suitable inscription, was tixed at
the head of their graves."
The first interment was on the top of the
W7ilkes-Barre Mountain, near where Charles
Parrish's sylvan residence now is. The oue
here spoken of was withiu a few teet of the
corner of Market and Washington Streets,
on ground now occupied by the skating rink,
but they were not permitted to enjoy a final
resting place even here. A marble head-
stone had taken the place of the rude one set
by their Masonic brethren at the re-inter-
ment, so that the graves were readily recog-
nized in after years, and when the removal
of the bones of the forefathers of the hamlet
were ruthlessly shoveled up by the unsyinpa-
thiziug stranger workmen not many years
ago, and some of them removed
to the new cemetery, the remains of these
two victims of savage warfare were atrain
dug up and removed to the Hollenback
Cemetery, and again interred with hi^h
Masonic ceremonies conducted by old Lodge
61, with Hendriek B. W right as worshipful
master: where it is hoped they may be per-
mitted to re>t in undisturbed repose until
the last trumpet shall sound and bid the
dead awake and come to judgment. \v. j.
[So far as we know the above newspaper
extract has never been reprinted. We are
informed by Dr. Hollister that he copied it
from an issue of the patter mentioned, in
the possession of Pulaski Carter, of Provi-
dence, Pa. The Gazette, was published at
Providence, Pi. I., by John Carter, probably
an ancestor of Pulaski Carter.— Ed.]
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
49
U<»w We Acquired Our Domain.
The Public -Domain of the United States
are lands in which the general Government
lias exclusive property, whether they be
situated iu the States or Territories. They
are those of which Henry Clay, when he
first ran for President in lb3:i, said "no sub-
ject which has presented itself to the pres-
ent, or perhaps any preceding Congress,
was of greater magnitude than that of the
public lands. Long after we shall cease to
be agitated by other public questions now
before us the public lands will remain a
subject of deep and enduring interest."
Our public domain has been acquired by
cessions, purchase and conquest, and, in
view of its rapid absorption, and the opin-
ions involved, it is interesting now to review
its history.
The British subjects who came to this coun-
try were obliged to comply with three condi
tions before, as individuals, or colonies,
they acquired full title to the land: First,
A grant from the Crown of Great Britain;
►Second, Extinguishment from the Indian
title, and Third, Possession. Of the Indian
titles, it is sufficient to say that, sham
philanthropy to the contrary notwithstand-
ing, no set of people on earth %vere ever
treated with the consideration our Iudians
have often received, under circumstances
constantly the most exasperating, in treat-
ing with them for their lands. It Las rarely
occurred that they have been cheated,
treacherous and deceptive though they them-
selves are.
By treaty of 1783, the result of the Revo-
lutionary war, the United States was recog-
nized as extending from the Atlantic ocean
to the Mississippi River, and from the
Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, compris-
ing 830,000 square miles. Most of the
land lying west of the Allegheny Mountains,
viz.: 405,000 square miles, known as ''Crow
Lands," became the subject of a protracted
struggle for ownership between the colonies,
when that war broke out — owing to the in-
definite grants by the British Crown. These
serious differences were averted, however,
about the close of the war, by all ceding their
lands in dispute to the general Government.
The part lying north of the River Ohio,
known as the ''Northwest Territory," was
claimed by four colonies, each a part, some
all; namely, Massachusetts, Connecticut,
New York and Virginia. In the south the
Carolinas and Georgia claimed extensions
westward to the Mississippi.
In September, 1770. in order to give in-
centive to the soldiers, Congress resolved to
donate bounty lands for military services.
But the general Government had no lands to
give. They were claimed exclusively by a
few of the colonies, and of the others it is
surprising that only one saw how she would
be impoverished by attempting t<> execute
this resolution. To little Maryland appears
to belong solely thi* foresight, which eventu-
ated in the creation of the public domain.
Maryland's delegates in Congress were at
once directed by the home Legislature to
oppose the above resolution, but they were
entirely alone in their opposition, and Vir-
ginia, establishing a land oilice, proceeded
to deal out some 3,000 claims. But Mary-
land persisted in her efforts; caused her
delegates in 1770 to refuse to sign the Arti-
cles of Confederation then so necessary to
give strength to our country's cause, and,
by 1780, to meet the demands of
the war, New York agreed to cede her claims
in the Northwest to the general Government.
Virginia's delegates, Jefferson and Madison,
then signed articles ceding her extra lands,
and the others soon following, the public
domain came into existence, with a begin-
ning of about two hundred andsixtj million
acres. So much for cessions.
When Jefferson became President he at
once be^an efforts to purchase New Orleans
of the French, regarding any foreign power
in ownership of that island and city as the
natural and certain enemy of the United
States. Two million dollars were offered for
it and declined, but, by a stretch of author-
ity, and a stroke of diplomacy, our repre-
sentative at the French court, Mr. Monroe,
purchased of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803
not only New Orleans, but all the Louisiana
district, five times the area of Franco of to-
day. The price was sixteen million dollars,
one-fourth of which i if they amounted to so
much) was to be paid to our citizens having
claims against France known as the French
Spoliation Claims. The territory thus ac-
quired was about seven hundred and fifty-
seven million acres, and is now cut up into
eleven States and six Territories, and cost,
including interest, three and three-fifths
cents an acre. In 1802 Georgia ceded her
extra fifty-seven and a half million acres to
the United States, but, having previously
sold most of it to the Yazoo companies, it
cost us six million two hundred thousand
dollars, about 11 cents an acre.
Thirty-eight million acres of East and West
Florida still owned abroad were purchased
of Spain in 1810. for six and a half million
dollars. Alaska, whose climate, vegetation,
minerals, furs and fisheries made it a most
valuable acquisition, was purchased of Rus-
sia, through Baron Stoeckel. in 1807, for
seven million two hundred thousand dollars;
and thus three hundred and seventy million
acres were added to the public domain.
The remainder of the public domain has
been acquired as the i>--ult of conquest.
Mexico, by treaty of Cordova, became inde-
pendent of Spain in 1821. Texas, belonging
then to Mexico, but settled mostly by emi-
r,o
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
grants from tUo United States, desired to be
admitted as one of out- State.-. Mr. (.'lay,
then Secretary of State, offered Mexico one
million dollars for Texas in lb'27, and Mr.
Van Buren offered live millions in 1829—
which were declined. Texas rebelled against
Mexico and obtained separation m 1836,
but still failed in her design of being ad-
mitted as one of our States. The North had
long been opposed to agrarian extension in
the South, for that meant extension of negro
slavery. But the South was victorious in
1813 and elected Polk President on that
issue, linked to a promiso of high tariff.
Texas was then admitted as a State in this
Union, and war with Mexico was the result.
Texas was bankrupt, and for the public
lauds we got from her, sixteen million dol-
lars of her debts were paid by this country.
But this was more than balanced in the end,
for the Mexican war resulted in her ceding
to us New Mexico and Upper California for
fifteen million .dollars, together with the
Gadsden purchase, also of Mexico, of a tract
as large as Pennsylvania, for ten millions
more.
And this comprises all the public domain.
The aggregate is over eighteen hundred
million acres. It is subject to a great va-
riety of acts, by virtue of which it has been
enormously reduced in the past thirty years.
At first it was the policy of the Government
to dispose of it as a means of revenue, but
it was soon learned that the greatest real
benefit would be derived from such disposi-
tion as would enable settlers to cultivate it
free of first cost. With such vast possibili-
ties before them, it is not surprising that
politicians have run mad, and many specu-
lators swamped; that the United States is
the greatest agricultural country in the
world, and the mother countries view with
alarm what promises to be the strongest
and wealthiest nation in the woild at no dis-
tant day.
The Burying Ground at White Haven.
On Saturday, Nov. 6. a meeting of the
Laurel Cemetery Association, White Haven,
was held for the purpose of dedicating a
newly acquired tract of land. Religious
exercises were conducted by the local clergy
— Rev. F. Y. Krug, of the Presbj terian: Rev.
H. H. Bruning. of the Evangelical Lutheran;
Rev. G H. Pay, of the Methodist, and Rev.
d'Estaing Jennings, of the Episcopal. Gaius
L. Halsey, Esq., gave an interesting histori-
cal sketch of the enterprise, which had its
inception in 1842, at which time the Lehigh
Coal & Navigation Co. set apart a tract for a
public burying ground and as a site for a
place or places of worship.
In 17t>f> the first newspaper in the county
''The Herald of the Times,." was published
in Wilkes-Barre,
The Old Sullivan Road.
The first of a series of articles bearing the
above title appeared in the November num-
ber of The Guardian, a monthly magazine
of the Reformed Church. The paper is con -
tiilmted by the Rev. Mr. Kiefl'er, of Easton,
the editor of the magazine, and is of histori-
cal account, inasmuch as it relates some in-
cidents hitherto unpublished or inaccessible
to the general reader, connected with Gen.
Sullivan's expedition against the Western
Indians, which set out from Easton on its
long and dangerous march in the year 1770.
The attention of the State Historical Society,
Philadelphia, having been called to these
articles, the librarian has written to
the editor of the Guardian requesting copies
for preservation in the State and Revolution
collections, giving also the much desired in-
formation that the block bearing the inscrip-
tion "lb ll's Kitchen'' is in the po.-session of
the society, having been purchased of Mr.
Stokes, of Monroe County, some years ago.
This curious and celebrated inscription was
cut into the solid wood of the yellow pine
tree on Sallivan's march away up in the Po-
couo region by some unknown hand, and
after having been removed some thirty
years ago, ail trace of it was lost, no one be-
mu able to tell what had become of it. It
will be of interest to some of our readers to
know that it is where it ought to be — in the
keeping of the State Historical Society,
1,300 Locust Street, t hiladelphia.— Easton
Free Press.
The Battle of German town.
The Germantown Telegraph for Novem-
ber 10 contains an historical article on
"Ancient Germantown," by Rev. S. F.
Hotchkin. It is full of interesting matter
relating to the Revolutionary period and
of the occupation of Germantown by the
British. In the course of the narration it is
related how one of the Keysers, then living
there, escaped from her home while enter-
taining under compulsion a party of British
soldiers, she thus saving the family silver
and a line horse. The silver was buried and
not found for many years. "It has been
seen, the writer says, by Martiu Coryell, of
Lambertville. N. J., a descendant, but was
lost in 1833 by a robbery. Mrs. Coryell, and
her sister, Mrs. John Anderson, are des-
cendants also of Mr. Duy, from whom Duy's
Lane takes its name."' Mr. and Mrs.
Coryell were formerly residents of Wilkes-
Barre and have a host of Iriends here. A
previous article by Mr. Hotchkin was
descriptive of "The Chew House and the
Battle of Germantown." The series form a
valuable contribution to Revolutionary his-
tory.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
.1
XANTKOKi; PRESIJYTEKIA'N (HI IK If
Its Early History -One of its Eirst Mod-
erators, Kev. E. Hazard Snowden, Still
Living.
The following interesting sketch of the
Nanticoko Presbyterian Church is from the
Quarterly Review, a neat little paper issued
from the Sua office, by Rev. G. H. Ingram,
pastor of the church:
The session have in their possession the
records of the church hack as far as Nov.
27, 18:29. Then it was called the Church of
Hanover and Newport. At the organization
there were two ministers present, Rev.
Cyrus Gildersleeve and Rev. Nicholas Mur-
ray. The meeting was held in the school
house, near Mr. Lines'. Eighteen members
were received from the Congregational
Church in Wilkes-Barre. Ruling elders
were chosen — John Sehleppy, Anderson
Dana, Jr., and Henry Stayer. John
Sehleppy was chosen deacon. The new
officers were ordained to their offices. The
names of the members are as follows:
John Sehleppy, Anderson Dana, Jr.,
Henry Styer, Elizabeth Fairchild. Margaret
Fairchild, Mary Line, Mary Luecler, Christian
Sehleppy, Anna Styer, John Sarber, Solo-
mon Mill, Abraham Arnold, Sarah Sehleppy,
Clara Sarber, Elizabeth Whipple, Lorinda
Dilley.
The session of the church of Hanover and
Newport continued to meet in tne school
house "near Mr. Line's" or "near Mr.
MiiFs" until 1632, when on March 19th tiie
entry is made "The Session met agreeable to
appointment at the Nanticoke church.
Rev. Mr. Rhodes presided as Moderator."
At this meeting Miss Rosana Fairchild was
received into the church upon profession of
faith.
In 1834 Rev. J. Dorrance moderated the
Session by request.
In Noy. 1836, Rev. Mr. Cor&e moderated
the meeting of Session.
In Sept. 1837, Rev. Mr. E. H Snowden
presided.
May 21, 1843, the following entry ap-
pears: "The Rev. E. H. Snowden closed his
connection with this church after supplying
the pulpit one fourth of the time for -even
years." From the time of the organization
until May, 1844. thirty persons united with
the church: Rosanna Fairchild. Catharine
Vandermark, Jane Agatant, John Mill, St.
John Koeker, Elizabeth Ann Sehleppy. Julia
Ann Slagle, James \tchley, Mary Atehlev,
Fricilla Fairchild. Robt. G. Robbius, Jr.,
R. Robbing, Sr., Margaret Robbins, John
Robbins, Sarah Bobbins. Elizabeth Rob-
bins, Julian Stettler, Christiana Robbins,
Susanna Roate, Lavmia Espy. Elizabeth
Tape, Elizabeth Rasely, Susan Sehleppy,
Mary Vandermark, Ellen C. Stjer, Martha
Fairchild.
Jenkins Eamily of Rhode Island.
The above is the title of a 10 page pamph-
let by Hon. Stenhen Jenkins, of Wyoming,
reprinted from the Nar rag an set Historical
Register. The author finds that the 'Jen-
kins families were among the first to become
Friends. The first trace lie can get of his
branch of the family (searched out from the
records of the Sandwich Monthly ; Meeting
of Friends, the oldest organized society of
those people in America) is relative to one
John Jenkins, of Sandwich. The name
John seems to have been a favorite one, it
having been borne by one generation after
another (with only a single break)
down to the author's grandfather, who
was of the sixth generation from John of
Sandwich. The name of John figures so ex-
tensively in the records as to quite confuse
the general reader. The original John, in
1658, was fiued or "distrained" 19 pounds,
10 shillings for attending Quaker meeting.
Ho had a son, Zachariah, (born 1651, died
1723), who had a son John, (born 1097, died
1742), who had a son John, (born 1728, died
1784), who had a son John, (born
1751, died 1827). The latter was
Col. John Jenkins, grandfather of
Hon. Steuben Jenkins. He was a school
teacher, surveyor and conveyancer. He was
one of the pioneers m settling Wyoming
Valley, and was a leading man in the con-
troversies with the Pennamites. He was
guide to Sullivan's army in 1779 in the
expedition to the northern wilderness to
avenge the atrocities of the year before at
Wyoming and Cherry Valley. He was born
at Gardner's Lake, New London, Conn., Nov.
27, 1751, O. S., and died at Wyoming in
1827, on the historic battle ground. He
married Bethiah Harris, of Colchester,
Conn., in Jenkins Fort, Wyoming, only a
fortnight before the bloody mas-
sacre of July 3. 1778. They had
eight children, James (born 1796, died
1873) being the author's father. He was a
lieutenant in the Revolutionary army, resid-
ed in Exeter Township, Luzerne County, Pa.,
where he died in 1827. James Jenkins mar-
ried in 181o, Elizabeth, daughter of Capt.
Samuel Breeze, of Basking Ridge, N. J.
Hon. Steuben Jenkins is the thirdf of their
nine children, not one of whom, however,
bears the traditional name of John. We
notice that in 1745 one Stephen Wilcox mar-
ried the widow of one of the Johns, but
whether this is the same family as the Will-
iam A. Wilcox, who married a daughter of
the author, we are unable to say.
In 1787, on May 27th, Justices of the Court
of Common Fleas commissioned and sworn
in.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Fortunes Awaiting Claimants.
Dr. W. H. Egle, author of "Pennsylvania
Genealogies," gives the following good
advi>o in his Notes and Queries department
of the Harrisbnrg Telegraph, advice, too,
which may benefit some in Wilkes-Barre,
the same "list" referred to by Dr. Egle
having recently been advertised in a local
paper:
A correspondent writes us to this effect:
"I see in the Free Press of Detroit a list of
names of persons entitled to money and
property in England. France, Germany and
other countries, among them being those of
Dixon, Cochran, Murray, Henry and Robin-
son. My ancestors on my father's side came
from Eusland, on my mother's side from
Scotland and Ireland. As you know so much
about my ancestors I thought I would ask
you if it would be any use to send our
names as claimants. The advertisement
says that 8480,000,000 lie buried in the
courts of chancery, Bank of England, etc.,
awaiting claimants. The date of the news-
paper is Oct. 9, 1886. 1 know that my grand
mother often told us there were money
and property for us if we got our rights.
Please let me know what you think of this
advertisement. It also says, send to the
British American Claim Agency, Stewart
Building, New York City, for their book
register." This is only a specimen of letters
very frequently received by us. We can
only reiterate what we have heretofore said
upon this subject. The whole thing is a
deception of the basest kind, and the vil-
lains who are interested in this scheme to
defraud the unwary deserve the penitentiary.
There is no money awaiting unknown
claimants and these thieving rascals who
send out such advertisements know it.
Mr. Loop's Coon Sausage Dinner.
"We had a conversation with Mr. Edward
S. Loop, who has just returned from an ex-
tensive visit west throng!; Western New
York, Canada, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois
aud Wisconsin. Returning he stopped off at
Detroit, at the Griffin House, where he found
the most clean and comfortable compart-
ments he met with during his entire journey
AVest, in a public house. From thence he
left for Pontiac, Mich., to see his old colored
friend "Black B^n Teimant," as he was well
known on the Ross farms over fifty years
ago. Mr. Loop took a good dinner with him
and family, of stewed chicken and coon
sausage, celery, cranberries sweet and white
potatoes, two kinds of pickles and pies, cake,
etc., etc., enjoying all. Jack Frost is yetting
into Tom's hair for he is nearly 64 years old.
He cultivates a patch of ground a mile or so
out of Pontiac and is happy with his wife
and large family. His wife is a sister of
Mrs. Susan Anderson, of this city. His
elder son, Thomas Miner, named for the
elder Dr. Miner, is a carver at the Hodtre
Hou^e and his daughter Lavina is the cook.
Another sou, Tom, is a horse jockey when on
land and. a< other times is head porter on one
of the lake steamers. The family are all
strict Methodists and Mr. Loop joined heart-
ily in an "amen" after thanks were said for
the coon sausage and other delicacies. Ben
has many pleasant recollections of life in
W illves-Barre and these will now be aug-
mented by i he Weekly Recobd which here-
after is to go to him regularly. The carriage
was to call for his return at 4 pro. sharp. As
it did not Ben said "nevermind 'Sterl,' there
will be another train later." "No, that will
not do, I must be in Detroit to take 7:15
sharp." He made the train— the following
passenger train was wrecked at Royal Oak,
about 8 miles north of Detroit, and a num-
ber killed and injured. One of the most
striking traits in Mr. Loop's character is his
promptness and this determination to catch
the 7:15 train probably saved his life.
One of the little deceptions which pleased
our forefathers was a piece of furniture,
looking like a book, but which on examina-
tion proved to be entirely of wood, the
covers, raised bands, edges, etc., being very
fairly simulated. This instrument — for such
it was in reality — was nothing more or less
than a pitehpipe for use in a church in order
that the precentor might not start too high
or too low when the psalm was given out.
A New York man is the happy possessor of
one. It measures three and a half by five
and a half inches and was used in the first
church in the town of Sterling, Mass., prior
to the Revolution. At the junction of the
upper edge with the front edge there is just
such an aperture as is found in an ordinary
whistle. The lower edge pulls out, being
fastened to a slide, upon which the tones
and half tones of the scale are marked by
letters and lines. At the end of the slide is
fastened packing of cork, which makes it fit
accurately. Upon adjusting this slide at the
desired pitch, and bloving through the
aperture, a loud, clear tone is given forth.
From the bottom of the movable edge hangs
a piece of tape, which seems to serve as a
book-mark and hightens the deception.
The Doylestown Democrat, Nov. 16, says
that M. W. Oliver, of Crawford County has
donated to the Bucks County Historical
Society a tine specimen of the iron axes
which are frequently plowed up in the fields
of Crawford County. The axe was shaped
something like a hatchet, with a large eye,
and was about seven inches long with about
a four inch blade. The axes are supposed
to have been made in Canada and used by
the Indians in the French aud Indian war.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD
53
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES.
Sketches of the Men who vc&re Elected f<>
Oilicc on November 1.
GOVEBNOB, (BEP.')
Gen. James A. Beaver, who has so hand-
somely just been shown the confidence of
Pennsylvania, is not yet quite 50 years old,
having been born in 1837 tit Miller-town,
Perry Co. His father died soon after James'
birth and the boy was his mother's pride, a
devoted sou, a good scholar at the village
school and a great favorite on the play-
ground. In 1854, then in his 17th year,
Beaver entered Jefferson College, at Canons-
burg, Washington Co. In 1856 he was
graduated, standing high in the class.
When but 19 years of age Beaver became
a student at law in the office of Hon. H. N.
McAllister, at Bellefonte, and entered the
bar two years later. During his course of
study Beaver had joined Captain Andrew G.
Curtin's company, "Bellefonte Fencibles,"
and took great delight' in the organization
and drill.
President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men,
at the outbreak of the rebellion, received an
immediate answer from the Fencibles, who
elected officers, Beaver being chosen first
lieutenant, and proceeded at once to Harris-
burg. After the expiration of its three
months' time, however, it was mustered out.
Beaver then entered, heart and soul, into
the effort to raise a regiment, the 45th Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, and was made its
lieutenant colonel. In October, 1861, the
regiment proceeded to South Carolina.
The stress of war necessitated Lincoln's
further call for 600,000 volunteers. Penn-
sylvania responded nobly, and Governor
Curtin appointed Col. Beaver to the colonel-
cy of a regiment which went directly to
meet Lee in Maryland. The new regiment
first experienced the sight of battle at An-
tietam. In this bloody engagement Col.
Beaver's younger brother, a gallant lieu-
tenant, fell in leading a brave charge when
at the very works of the enemy.
In the disastrous battle of Chancellors-
ville, where Hooker was temporarily incapa-
citated, and where Stonewall Jackson met
his death, Beaver was severely wounded and
-taken home as soon as he could be moved.
While the brave colonel was recovering
slowly Lee arrived on the soil of Pennsyl-
vania and Beaver refused the advice of the
surgeons and hurried aarain to the field. In
several battles that followed Col. Beaver
received distinguished mention and was
given charge oi a brigade. He took a gal-
lant part in many engagements, being
wounded again at Petersburg and carried
from the held. While at the hospital Gen.
Beaver became too restless for the surgeons,
and on the eve of a decisive battle, rode
upon the field in an ambulance. In the en-
gagement which followed he was again
wounded severely, losing his leg. This
closed Beaver's active record on the Held, a
record bustling with gallantry and bullet
stains.
On his return home Gen. Beaver resumed
the practice of law. In 1882, as all remem-
ber, he became the Republican candidate
for Governor, and was defeated by the
broken ranks of the party. With almost the
unanimous consent he again became the
standard bearer last summer and after one
of the most stirring and cleanest campaigns
in the State's history is elected by a rousing
plurality of 45,000 votes.
LIEUTENANT- GO VEBNOB, (BEP. )
The face of Hon. Wm, T. Da vies, Lieuten-
ant-Governor-elect of the Commonwealth,
has become familiar to Wilkes- Barreans
during the compaign just closed. He has a
characteristic American career: born in
1831, in Wales, he was brought to this State
when two years of age. hi^ father becoming
a farmer in Warren, Bradford County.
Living in the open air. used to hard work,
Davies eveloped into a large and muscular
lad fit for any amount of solid labor. In
the odd hours of his time Davies read with
avidity all the books that he could lay his
hands on and his mind grew with his body.
He entered the public school late and be-
came a leader In his class.
Davies' good work at the local school
gave such promise that lie was sent to Owego
Academy in New York, then famous, and he
was graduated valedictorian with all honors.
After graduating Davies betook himself to
the pedagogue's profession, and in 1856, 25
years of age, he was appointed superinten-
dent of schools in Towanda and continued
there for four years, meantime studying law
under Judge Elweli. In 1801 he was entered
at the bar, and late in the same year he
married Miss Watkins. daughter of a pro-
minent lawyer of Towanda.
Davies in 186*2 gave up his budding prac-
tice of law and enlisted in Co. B. 14th Keg.
P. V., and in Oct. 1802. became its captain.
A month later, before Fredericksburg, Capt.
Davies was taken with typhoid fever and
was compelled to return to his home. Re-
covering too slowly for his impatient desire
to be at the front. Davies hurried back,
against the will of Ids physicians, and as a
result he suffered as severe a relapse that his
life at one time was despaired of. In May,
1883, he was honorably discharged from ser-
vice.
In 1865 Davies was elected district attor-
ney of Bradford Co. In 1876 ho was elected
to the State Senate, where he has been a
prominent figure, respected for his manli-
ness, integrity and sound judgment. No mau
is better tit to preside over the deliberations
54
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
of the body in which Lieut. -Gov. Da vies is
po well known. He i^ a brother of Dr. R.
Davies of this city and an uncle of Dr. Da-
vies of Nanticoke.
AUDITOB GENERAL, (REP.)
Col. A. Wilson Norris, Pennsylvania's new
auditor general, is still a young man, having
been born in Lewistown 44 years ago. En-
tering upon active service, at the outbreak
of the war, a lieutenant, in the I07th P. V.,
he served gallantly until 1863, when he was
captured at the battle of Gettysburg, being
held 20 months in captivity, in July, 1865,
he was honorably discharged from active
service, having risen to a captaincy. Capt.
Norris studied law at the University of Penn-
sylvania, and in 180? he entered the bar of
Philadelphia, where he took up his residence.
In 1872 he became Gov. Hartrauft's private
secretary; in the same year he was the first
recorder of the Board of Pardons; and in
1873 was appointed inspector general of the
G. A. K., being elected, in the same year, as
commander of the Department of Pennsylva-
nia. During the six years following, Capt.
Norris acted as secretary of the Republican
State Committee, Capt. Norris served in
other official positions, and 1881 was elected
to the State Senate. On the staff of Gov.
Hartranft Capt. Norris was appointed col-
onel and aide-de-camp, and served as judge
advocate general on Gov. Hoyt's staff. Presi-
dent Arthur appointed Col. Norris pension
agent at Philadelphia, and he was removed
by Presideut Cleveland.
SECRETARY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS.
Thomas J. Stewart was born in 1848 near
Belfast, Ireland, and is the youngest man of
the new officials of the State. When less
than a year old he was brought to Norris-
town by his parents, and there he has lived
ever since. In 1864, Stewart, though but
16 years old, entered the army, where he
served until the war concluded. On the close
of his army life Stewart entered upon com-
mercial business, manufacturing window
glass. Since 1882 Mr. Stewart has been
Assistant Adjutant General of of the Penn-
sylvania Department of the G. A. R., and
during 1884 and ]!?85 he acted in the same
position over the national organization. For
the last nine years he has been Adjutant of
the 6th Regiment Infantry.
Daring the last two years Mr. Stewart has
been a member of the Assembly and is rec-
ognized as an able legislator.
GEN. EDWIN S. OSBORNE, ( REP. )
General Osborne, who was re-elected Con-
gressman-at-large, was born in Bethany,
Pa., August 7th, 1836, and was educated at
the University of Pennsylvania, and at
the New Yorkj State and National Law
School, graduating in 1860 with the degree
of LL. B. Shortly afterwards, on the break-
ing out of the Rebellion, he was one of the
first to volunteer, enlisting as a privote in
the Eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, and de-
spite his extreme youth and lack of previous
military education he rapidly ro-e to a place
of distinction. Aftar serving with his regi-
ment in General Patterson's command, he
received a commission from Governor
Curtin to recruit a company, and perform-
ing this duty joined the One Hundred and
Forty-ninth as captain. The regiment form-
ed part of the First Corps of the Army of the
Potomac and participated in all the engage-
ments of the corps till after the Getty-burg
battle when it was consolidated into the
Fifth Corps In the meautime Captain Os-
borne had become Major of his regiment
and Assistant Inspector-General of the Third
Division. During tho war he was three
times wounded and was successively brevet
ed Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel and Brig-
adier-General for gallaut and meritorious
conduct in the face of the enemy.
Upon the close of the war. General Osborne
was appointed Judge Advocate under Gen-
eral Holt, and sent to Macon and Anderson-
ville to investigate the charges of cruelty to
Federal prisoners of war by the Confederate
Superintendent of Prisons. Captain Wirz.
Upon a lull investigation General Osborne
preferred charges of murder against Wirz,
who was tried by courtmartial at Washing-
ton, convicted and hanged. General Osborne
was then sent to his own State to investi-
gate charges of treason against various citi-
zens confined in military prisons. Ke then
resigned his commission, returned to his
home in this city and engaged in the practice
of his profession.
On the reorganization of the National
Guards, the governor appointed Gen. Os-
borne the Major-General of them, and he
held the position from 1871 to 1876. Get.
Osborne enjoys a lucrative law practice.
He has had but little to do with politics,
never having held a civil office until he was
returned to Congress during the last general
election. He is prominent in the Grand
Army of the Republic, having been Depart-
ment Commander in 1883. His popularity
is attested in the State by the fact that he
received 2,536 more votes than were polled
for Blaine and Logan in the Presidential
contest of 1884.
CONGRESS, (DEM.)
John Lynch, Esq., of the Luzerne Bar. is a
native of Rhode Island, having been born at
Providence in 1843. His father, a native of
County Cavan, Ireland, emigrated to this
country in 1830, residing in WilkesBarre
from 1864 until his death in 1878, at the age
of 75, John Lynch was educated at Wyom-
ing Seminary, going to school in the winter
and working as a farm hand in the summer.
Mr. Lynch was admitted to the bar in 1865,
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
after having studied with VV. G. Harding,
Esq. The following year he was elected
register of wills, over Capt. H. M. Gordon
(Hep-) Mr. Lynch served as council man- at-
largo from 1871 to 1874, and as city attorney
daring 1873 and 1874. He was defeated in
1879 by Hon. C. E. Rice for the
president judgeship of Luzerne County,
Mr. Lynch being the candi-
date of the Greenback-labor party. Mr.
Lynch was married in 1877 to Mary C, a
sister of John T. Lenahan, Esq.. and District
Attorney James L. Lenahan. Mr. Lynch has
been a diligent and conscientious practi-
tioner and therefore richly merits the success
which he has achieved in his profession. The
nomination for Congress came to him un-
solicited, having previously been declined by
Judge Woodward and J. H. Swoyer. With
Gen. Osborne as Congressman-at-Large, and
John Lynch as Congressman, Luzerne
County, will not be likely to be neglected in
the distribution of Federal favors.
REPRESENTATIVE, (DEM.)
J. Ridgway Wright, elected to represent
cue First district, (City of Wilkes -Barre), in
tha Legislature is 30 years of age and is well
and favorably known in this community, of
which he is a native. He is a son of the late
Harrison Wright, one of the most able prac-
titioners at the Luzerne Bar, and a nephew
of the late lion. Hendrick B. W right, who,
after a distinguished career in politics and
law, died in 1871. Mr. Wright's parental
ancestors came from Engla d in 1081 with
William Penn's colony of Quaker immi-
grants, and founded the village
of Wrightsville, Burlington County
N. J. The first of the name, John
Wright, held a commission of Justice of the
Peace and captain of militia under the seal
royal of Kins: Charles II. Caleb Wright, a
grandson of John, removed to the Susque-
hanna country in 1795 and settled near
what is now Shiekshinny, but returned to
New Jersey in 1811, leaving here a son.
Joseph, grandfather of the deceased. Joseph
Wright was for many years a prominent and
influential citizen of Plymouth, or, as that
portion of ths valley was formerly called,
Shawnee. The Wrights were formerly
Quakers, or Friends, and Joseph Wright al-
ways adhered to their faith and stern integ-
rity, notwithstanding he had been dropped
from the society for marrying outside the
Quaker faith. He married Ellt-n, daughter of
John Hendrick, and had three sons born of
the union; the late Hon. Hendrick B.
Wright being the oldest, with Caleb E. and
Harrison as younger brothers, consti-
tuting a very distinguished trio of lawyers,
Harrison being one of the most bril-
liant and eloquent abvncatcs th^t ever prac-
ticed at the Luzerne county bar. He was
honored by his fellow citizens with a seat in
the House of Representatives at Harrisbnrg,
where he served with distinguished honor.
He died in L856 while yet in the prime and
vigor of his manhood, having just turned
his forty-first year. Mrs. Wright, the mother,
was before marriage, Emily, daughter of
Jacob Cist, her mother being Sarah, daugh-
ter of Judge; Matthias Hollenback, an ensign,
and one of the survivors of the bloody mas-
sacre that took place in front of Fort Win-
termcite on July 3, 1778. There was thus
the blood of the English Quaker com-
mingling with that of his persevering Ger-
man forefathers (the Hollenback s having
come of German stock) in the veins of one
who at a very early period of life manifested
his love of learning in a marked degree.
J. Ridgway Wright is a graduate of Prince-
ton College, class of 1879. After graduat-
ing he took the Western fever, in common
with many others of our townsmen, and
went to Leadville in company with Sylva-
nus Ayres, Jr., and Samuel Newhouse, both
of this city, he established himself in the
coal business, to which he associated that of
prospecting. Mr. Wright remained in Lead-
ville two years and then went to New Orleans,
where he was engaged in selling mines. He
subsequently returned to Leadville, remain-
ing there ayear,when he accepted the position
of secretary of the Wheel of Fortune Mine
and established himself in New York City,
He afterwards resigned his secretaryship
and came back to bis home in this city,
where he has resided ever since. On the
death of his lamented brother, rlarrison, he
was elected to till his place as secretary of
the Wyoming Historical Society. He has
taken a foremost part in local dramatic and
musical circles, in the military ( he is ad-
jutant of the Ninth Regiment, N. G. P. ) and
has identified himself with many other
movements calculated to advance the public
welfare. He is deservedly popular and has
hosts of friends.
SHERIFF, (D£M.)
Hendrick Wright Search is one of the
rising — indeed, risen — men of the young
Democracy. He was born in Shiekshinny
in 18~j4 and is a son of George W. Search,
one of the most prominent citizens of the
lower end.
He was educated at the public schools, and
after graduating therefrom he entered the
store of George VV. >V Lot Search, .vhere he
was continuously employed until the year
1882, when he was appointed clerk to the
county commissioners. He served three
years in this position and in 18^5 became
deputy clerk of the Orphans' Court, which
place he has since filied acceptably to the
court and the public. A year ago he mar-
ried Miss Church, a charming youne lady
J i v i n tr m Ash: and, his Stite. and who hns
since become a valued access on to Wilkes-
50
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Barre's social circles. Nominated by accla-
mation, without opposition, and receiving
the united support of Ins party, he is proba-
bly the mo4 popular man who ever trained
with the Luzerne Democracy.
RECOfiDEB, (DEM.)
Joseph J. McGinty, of Ebervale, was born
in Durham, England, of Irish parentage, in
the year 1850. He came to America 23
years ago and has always lived about Eber-
vale. He has worked in the mines from boy-
hood up and his father was killed in them
fifteen years ago, which catastrophe made
Joseph the head and protector of the family.
His loving care for his six younger brothers
secured a fair education for them all, and
for one a college training from which he has
graduated to the Catholic priesthood.
Mr. McGinty has been identified \sith the
several miners7 associations that have from
time to time existed in this region and has
occupied practically every position of trust
conferred by them. He was a delegate to
the State Labor Convention in 1875 and to
the labor convention at Cleveland last sum-
mer.
He has always been a consistent and hard
working Democrat. He has held and ac-
ceptably filled local offices, but this is the
first time he was ever a candidate for a
county office.
COBONEB, (DEM.)
Dr. John B. Mahon. one of Pittston's
most reputable practitioners of the heal-
ing art, was born May 17, 1850, at Lake
Winola, Wyoming County. The first four-
teen years of his life were spent upon a
farm. At the age of 14 he was- apprenticed
by voluntary indenture to the carpenter's
trade. In this avocation he continued for
four years, when at the age of 18 he passed
an examination as a teacher. He had pre-
pared himself by night study. He taught
three winter terms of school in Wyoming
County, the summers being spent in work-
ing at his trade. At 21 he applied and re-
ceived the appointment of principal
of one of the Plains graded schools,
holding the position for several consecutive
years, preparing himself at the same time
for Jefferson Medical College, which, resign-
ing his teachership, he entered in 1879,
graduating in 1882. He has since devoted
himself exclusively to his medical duties in
Pittston, where he has achieved an extensive
practice. At the municipal election last
spring he was reelected a member of the
School Board by a large majority, although
the district in which he resides is strongly
Republican. Dr. Mahon is a prominent
member of the Luzerne County Medical So-
ciety, and probably nearly every Republican
vote of that organization was cast for him.
8UEVEY0B, (DEM.)
James Crockett i.^ a farmer, surveyor and
justice of the pence in Ross, and one of the
best known men in the Second District.
Everybody speaks of him as Squire Crockett
and his court has been the scene of manj ex-
citing trials as most of tha Quarter Sessions
courts in the country. He is thoroughly
honest and upright and well liked.
In 1824 the first river boat propelled by
horse-power, arrived in VVilkes-Barre from
Nescopeck. It was a wonder.
KECK NT DE VTHS
DR. A. A. HODGE.
The sad news of the death of Rev. Dr. A.
A. Hodge, of Princeton Theological Semi-
nary, was received Nov. 12. Dr. Hodge
preached a stirring sermon Sunday, Nov. 7 to
the students at Princeton, feeling in the most
vigorous health. The day was cold and wet,
however, and Dr. Hodge caught a severe
cold, which, settling on his kidneys, ended
in his death on Thursday, Nov. 11. The three
brothers of Dr. Hodge were present at his
bedside, as the serious nature of his malady
was known for several days previous to his
death.
Dr. Archibald Alexander Hodge, A. M.,
D. D., LL. D., was born at Princeton, N. J.,
July 18, 1823, and was therefore midway be-
tween 63 and 64 years of age. He was
graduated from the College of New Jersey
in the class of 1841. After studying theology
at the seminary he was ordained by the
Presbytery of New Brunswick, N. J., in May,
1847, and in the fall of that year lie married
and went to Allahabad, India, as a mission-
ary under the control of the Presbyterian
Board of Foreign Missions. Dr. Hodge re-
mained at this post for three years, the fail-
ure of his health demanding his return in
1850. In that year he became pastor of a
church at lower West Nottingham, Md., re-
maining in that charge for the ensuing five
years. At the outbreak of Ihe war Dr. Hodge
was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church
at Petersburg, Va., his pastoral relations
with the congregation of that church being
severed on the very day that marks the death
of Rev. Dr. John Dorrance, then pastor of
the First Presbyterian Church of this city.
A few months after Dr. Dorrance's death
Dr. Hodge accepted a call to the church
over which his brother. Dr. F. B. Hodge, is
now pastor. In 1864. having bpen pastor in
Wiikes-Barre for three years. Dr. Hodge was
elected professor of Didactic and Polemic
Theology in the Presbyterian Seminary at
Allegheny City, where he remained until
1877. While holding this position Prof.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
r,7
Hodge was for some years "stated supply"
and installed pastor, severally, of the First
Church of Pittsburg, and of the North
Church of Allegheny City.
In 187? Frof. Hodge was called by Prince-
ton Theological Seminary as Associate Pro-
fessor of Theology, the full professorship
being held by his father, the late Rev. Dr.
Charles Hedge. In 1878 Dr. Charles Hodge
died, and his mantle fell upon his son, who
has held the position of Didactic and
Polemic Professor of Theology since that
tune. Dr. Hodge has twice been married,
and leaves a wife and two daughters. The
funeral services will be held on Monday
afternoon at Princeton.
The death of Dr. Hodge does not break
the connection which has identified the
name of Hodge with Princeton Seminary,
Dr. Charles Hodge's eldest son, Casper Wis-
ter Hedge, being professor of New Testa-
ment Literature and Biblical Greek at that
institution. This position he has held since
1800, and he is recognized among scholars
as perhaps the superior of his brother in
theological scholarship. The connection
which is thus kept up with Princeton has
subsisted since the matriculation of Dr.
Charles Hodge in 1811.
Dr. F. B. Hodge has the tender sympathy
of the many friends of his lamented brother
in this city, the elder pastor being a great
favorite, for his kindly, genial nature as
well as for his deep learning.
L. D. STUBDEVANT.
Leverius Dunning Sturdevant. one of the
oldest and best known men of "Wyoming
County, died Friday, Nov. 12 at his home
in Mehoopany. He came of one of the
old Connecticut families whose names are so
well known along the Susquehanna. He
was born in 1804 at Braintrim, "Wyoming
County, where he passed the greater portion
of his life, and to the development and
prosperity of which he materially contribu-
ted. He was a kind husband and father,
and a valued member of the community in
which he lived, and particularly noted for
the virtues of hospitality and neighborly
kindness. Belonging to a past generation,
with few living contemporaries, he yet, by
his native force of character, maintained a
leading position to the last, and leaves be-
hind him the example of a uniformly upright
life. His wife preceded him to the grave
July 21 of last year, in her 70th year, the
husband being her senior by five years. He
was a brother of .the late Major John Stur-
devant and Gen. E. W. Sturdevant, of this
city, and his surviving children are Col.
S.nnnl H . Sinfon. E. W., L. !>.. and Dun-
ning Sturdevant -*nd Mrs. W. F. Goff, of
Wilkes- Barre; Mrs. F. B. Ames, Mrs. Jerome
Swart wood, of Mehoopany, and Mrs. James
M. Robinson, of Skinner's Eddy. His
wife's death, as noted in the Rkcord at tho
time, was the first to break a very largo
family circle. All her eight children are
married ami have families of their own, yet
of all this largo number of kindred, exposed
to tho countless perils which threaten ex-
istence, and covering nearly a century in
time, this godly mother in Israel was the
first to be called hence.
nrsnop bowman's mother.
James Bowman, of the firm "Wells, Bow-
man & Co.. was recently called upon to
mourn tho loss of his mother, whose death
occurred on tho 1st inst., at the home of her
son. Bishop Thomas Bowman, in Alleutown.
The following interesting sketch is from the
Item of that city:
Mrs. Elizabeth Bowman, widow of the late
Jacob Bowman, was the daughter of Thomas
Weiss, of Weissport, and was born Dec. 5,
1808. She was tho mother of ten children.
Three — Charles, John and Louisa — died in
infancy. Those living are Mrs. Cornelius
Snyder and Mrs. Perry Wannemacher, re-
sidmgin Alleutown; Mrs. Judge Levi Wentz,
residing in Millport, Carbon Co.: Bishop
Thomas Bowman, of Alleutown: Capt. James
Bowman, of Wilkes-Barre: W. W. Bowman,
cashier of tho First National Bank, at Le-
hi^hton. Sho had Iter home with Judge
Weniz at the old homestead in Millport, but
came to this city on a visit to her children
the latter part of July. She was taken sick
at the house of Bishop Thomas Bowman, and
died after much suffering Nov. 1. Deceased
had for many years been a devoted and con-
sistent member of the Evangelical Associ
ation, and was beloved and highly respected
by all who knew her. She died very peace-
fully and in the assurance of faith.
OERILLA WALLER BEEBE.
[Montrose Republican.]
Orrilla Waller Beebe died at the residence
of her son, E. L. Beebe at Franklin Forks,
Susquehanna Co., Nov. 1, 1886, aged 93
years and 0 months. She was the last sur-
vivor of a largo family of children. Her
father, Nathan Waller, was one of the early
settlers in Wyoming Valley, bringing his
iamily there shortly after the war of the
revolution, although he himself had been
there before, but was temporarily away at
time. He had three brothers-in-law killed
in the Wyoming Massacre in 1778. Mrs.
Beebe was the youngest but one of ten
children. Her father left the valley with
his family in 1800 and moved to the town
of Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y., where he
died several years after, leaving a fine farm
on the Susquehanna river which fell into the
hands of his oldest son, Phineas Waller,
father of Dr. D. J. Waller, of Bloom-burg,
and of the late Judge Waller and his brother,
George, of Honesdale. The old Walier farm
58
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
in "Windsor, where Mrs. Beebe spent her
youthful days and a portion of her eaily
married life, was one of the noted land-
marks on the Susquehanna and is known by
the same title yet by all the people in that
and adjoining towns.
1'ho subject of this sketch was born in
Wilkes-Barre in April, 3 793, and lived there
until she was sixteen years of age, and went
from there to Windsor with the rest of the
family. The moving took from Monday
morning until Saturday night, and the route
was from Wilkes-Barre to Pittston, then up
the Lackawanna to Scranton, and from
there by way of Dundaff and Clifford and
through Harford to New Milford, spending
Friday night at Summersville in the old loe
tavern, a place well-known to all the early
settlers of this and adjoining counties.
The family arrived at their journey's end
in Windsor on Saturday, the distance being
about sixty miles. The conveyance used in
moving consisted of two two-horse team-,
and two saddle horses, on which the girls,
five in number, alternately rode and walked.
Mrs. Beebe was united in marriage to her
late husband, Harry Beebe, when twenty-
four years of age. They spent a married life
together of about fifty-eight years, raising a
family of six children, four sons and two
daughters. Her husband left her a widow
in June, 1875.
The funeral was attended by a large con-
gregation of those who had known her for
more than half a century. Her remains
were lowered to their last resting place in
the little cemetery at Franklin Forks, by
two sous and four grandsons acting as pail
bearers.
JOHN WKOTH.
An incident, none the less sad from the
fact that it had been expected, was the death
Tuesday, Nov. 16, of John Wroth, cashier
of the Wyoming National Bank. Mr. Wroth
was 48 years old. universally known, loved
and respected, not only in Wilkes-Barre, but
in a large circle of acquaintance at his for-
mer home. He had been ill with a compli-
cated disease for more than two years. His
malady had been of a character to elude di-
agnosis by eminent physicians and it was
only recently that his suffering was found to
be due to the presence of a tumor in the
throat.
Mr. Wroth was born in Cecil County, Md.,
Sept. 22, 1838. and had therefore just en-
tered on the 49th year of his life. His
youth and early manhood were passed on
his father's farm, where he was born. From
the Cecil County farm Mr. Wroth went to
Philadelphia, where he was employed for
several years as a head accountant by the
Empire Transportation Co. From t hi~ po-
sition he went into the coal shipping busi-
ness. In 1874 Mr. Wroth came to Nanti-
coke und accepted the position of cashier
offered to him by the late Washington Fee,
who had established there a savings bank.
A year later M r. Wroth married Elizabeth
Norton, daughter of Win. B. Norton. Esq., a
man prominent for many years in Wilkes-
Barre. Jn L876, owing to the death of Mr.
Lee, the Nanticoke bank retired from busi-
ness and Mr. Wroth came to Wilkes-Barre,
in charge of his interests, and in 1884 ho
undertook the position of cashier of the
Wyoming National Bank, holding it until
death severed his connection with affairs of
this world. Mr. Wroth leaves a wife and
son, Bentley, a boy nine years of age. Mrs.
Wroth holds an insurance policy of 811,000
on her husband's life.
In addition to the loss which Mr. Wroth's
many friends sustain by the death of one
whose character was in a high degree lovable
and worthy of emulation, the public suffers
a genuine calamity. Mr. Wroth's business
judgment, his skill and ingenuity and pains-
taking methods in accounts, have long
been known and reprected in this city, lie
was a man who was becoming closely iden-
tified with the interests of the town and
whose character and abilities would have
been of large advantage in our industrial
growth. Mr. Wroth was a vestryman of St.
Stephen's Episcopal Church and the funeral
service was held at that church Thursday
forenoon at 11 o'clock.
ISAAC KirPLE.
Laac Ripple, who died in White Haven on
Oct. 31, was one of the most widely known
and highly respected citizens of Luzerne
and Carbon Counties. He was born in
Hanover Township 80 > ears ago next Feb-
ruary, and was a twin brother of Abram
Ripple, who died in 1875, after amassing a
large fortune. The brothers went from
Wyoming Valley to the Lehigh region about
1835, where they had extensive contracts
with tiie Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co..
constructing the dams in the Lehigh, after-
wards swept away by a great freshet. He
first located at Mauch Chunk, where he
married a Miss Conner, who survives him.
About 18313 he went to White Haven, then a
wilderness, bought a lot of the Navigation
Co., cut down the trees and built a house,
now the site of the White Haven Hotel at
the railroad station, afterwards built by
him. He was landlord ot this hostelry for
nearly 30 years, and it was a favorite stop-
ping place for sta^e coaches between Wiikes-
Barre and Philadelphia in the olden time.
About 1808 he moved on a farm of 100
acres, lying just outside of White
Haven, which he had cleared and which
was one of the finest in Foster Township.
He afterwards moved on an adjacent smaller
farm where he died. He leaves an estate
valued at about $2o,000. He was a Free
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
59
Mason and field nearly nil the local positions
of trust in communities in which he lived.
He was regarded as an eminently upright
and useful citizen. Besides his wife he is
survived by a daughter Elizabeth, widow of
Tlu'o. Smith, of White Haven; daughter
A I » i , wife of C. J. Shoemaker, of White
Haven: daughter Alice, wife of Joseph
Handlong, of Foster; daughters Anna and
Clara, unmarried; Washington and George
unmarried sons. Mayor Ezra H. Ripple, of
Scranton, is a nephew. Among those pres-
ent at the funeral were John Brown, of Eas-
ton; Jesse Lines, of Easton, now 60 years
old, a boy with him in Hanover: Manus Mc-
Ginty, of \\ ilkes-Barre and others. The ser-
mon was by Rev. G. H. Day, a minister with
whom he had become acquainted in White
Haven in 18-12, and who after the mutations
of 46 years in the Methodist itineracy, is
again stationed in White Haven. He was
buried after the Masonic ritual by Laurel
Lodge.
ROBERT M'D. SHOEMAKER.
At 1 pm. Nov. 22, Robert McDowell
Shoemaker died at his residence in Forty
Fort, aged 74 years. He had been ill for the
past six months with a rheumatic affection,
which, coupled with a general failing of the
vital forces, culminated in his death.
Deceased was a son of Col. Elijah Shoe-
maker, a prominent man in Wyoming in his
day and generation. His great-grandfather,
Benj. Shoemaker, emigrated from the banks
of the Delaware ( now Monroe County) to
Wyoming in 1763, but as the attempted set-
tlement was crushed by the Indians in that
year he returned from whence he came and
never came back. The grandfather of de-
ceased, also Elijah, was among the Connecti-
cut settlers who located at Wyoming in 1776.
Two years later he lost his life in the massa-
cre of Wyoming. He was survived by an
infant son, also named Elijah, father ot de-
ceased. This infant was born May 20, 177S,
his mother being Jane McDowell, daughter
of .John, of what is now Monroe County.
The paternal name was bestowed upon de-
ceased. We quote from Kulp's "Families of
Wyoming Valley:"
"Elijah, dnrmg the pendency of the dis-
putes as to the title to the land of the valley,
cleared a portion of that which he had pur-
chased with money left him by his father of
the Susquehanna Company, built an unpre-
tentious habitation, and engaged in farm-
ing in a small way. It was while his affairs
were in this condition that the grandfather
[of deceased] was born and the massacre of
Wyoming occurred: wherein he acted as
lieutenant in the little band of patriots, and
was slain. The widow and her babe were
hft in very poor circumstances, for practi-
cally everything in their little home had
been carried off or destroyed by the British
and savages."
On his mother's side deceased's grand-
father was Col. Nathan Denison, whose mar-
riage in 1760, with Elizabeth Sill, is historic,
having been the lirst nuptial knot tied in
Wyoming Valley. From this marriage
came Lazarus Denison, father of the late
Charles Denison, E-q., and the name is
handed down to Hon. L. D. Shoemaker, a
brother of deceased. Mr. Shoemaker's
death occurred upon the snme fruitful acres
that have been »n the family for more than a
century and which were paid for, not only
with hard earned treasure, but with trie lite
blood of a distinguished ancestor.
Deceased was born Feb. 12, 1812, and
passed the whole of his life in the vicinity of
Forty Fort. He was educated in the old
Wilkes-Barre Academy and in his early man-
hood entered the mercantile business at
Forty Fort, and retained his interest therein
until some 12 or 15 years ago, when he re-
tired from all active business and devoted
himself to his farming interests. His dispo-
sition was quiet and retiring. Though a
staunch Republican, he took no active par-
ticipancy in politics and never hold or
sought any public office or trust. He was
widely known and universally esteemed
throughout the valley as a man of generous
and refined nature, of the strictest integrity
and in his earlier years of great industry.
He was the fourth son of Col. Elijah Shoe-
maker, who had six sons and three daughters.
Of this family but two are now living, Hon.
L. D. Shoemaker, of this city, and Caroline,
wifeof Dr. Levi Ives, of New Haven. Conn.
Dr. ives was in attendance in consultation
with iocai physician* a short time before
Mr. Shoemaker's decease.
He leaves one son, Robert, now superin-
tendent for several collieries of the Lehigh
Valley Coal Co., who resides on North River
Street, in this city, and is esteemed as one
of the most efficient and energetic men
connected with the company. The funeral
took place on Friday at 2 pin. from the
late residence, the interment being made in
Forty Fort cemetery.
R. R. SNOWDEN.
The many friends of Rev. E. Hazard
Snowden, the oldest Presbyterian clergyman
in Wyoming Valley, will be sorry to hear
that he has recently sustained the loss of a
much loved brother, Col. Robert Ralston
Snowden. His death occurred Nov. 14,
in Memphis, Tenn., in which city he had
carried on the mercantile business for the
last 12 or lo years. Col. Snowden was in
the 77th year of his a^'eaud was a prominent
and honored citizen of the once fever-stricken
pity along the Mississippi, though he never
flinched when the yellow fever was decimat-
60
THE HJSTORICAJ UECOIID.
ingtho city's populace, hi: death occurred
at tho residence of his nephew, Col. Robert
Bogardus Snowden. The latter was a gal-
lant officer in the Confederate army, and was
a grandson of Gen. Robert Bogardus, of
New York.
Deceased was born at New Hartford, N.
Y., and was the eighth child of Rev. Samuel
Finley Snowden, out of whose family of 10
children, three are living — Rev. E. Hazard
Snowden, of Luzerne County; Arthur Henry
Snowden, a merchant in Stratford, Conn.,
and James Anderson Snowden, a planter in
Arkansas. His wife died some years ago
and he is survived by only one child, a mar-
ried daughter.
The grandfather of deceased, Isaac Snow-
den, was a prominent Philadelphian during
the Revolutionary war and at one time was
treasurer of the city and county of Philadel-
phia. Ho was so pronounced a Whig that
his presence was particularly obnoxious to
the British during their occupancy of Phila-
delphia and he and his family were com-
pelled to seek safety in the country. He was
a large owner of real estate iu the city of
Philadelphia.
Isaac Snowden had five sons, all of whom
were graduated from Princeton College, and
four of whom were ministers— Rev. Samuel
Finley Snowden, who took the class honors
and who became the first pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church of Princeton: (he was
the father of deceased and of Rev. E. Hazard
Snowden): Gilbert, who preached at Cran-
berry, N. J., and who was a fine extempore
speaker; Charles and Nathaniel, the latter
located at Pittsburg and Harrisburg.
Of Rev. Samuel Finley Snowden's family,
Mary Cox married Dr. RosweU P. Hayes,
and was the mother of Hon. Samuel Snowden
Hayes, an eminent Chicago lawyer, politician
and friend of Stephen A. Douglas, though he
once worsted the latter in a public debate in
Chicago during the agitation of the Missouri
Compromise, the populace by an overwhelm-
ing vote sustaining Mr. Hayes' opposition
to the revocation of the Compromise. The
other children of Rev. S. F. Snowden were
Samuel Breese, £. II., (living), Arthur
Henry, (living), Susan Breese, James
Anderson, John Bayard, Robert Ralston,
(just deceased), Sydney Breeso and Eliza-
both Breese.
Survey for Kingston.
[From MSS. collection of Hon. Steuben Jenkins.]
A road laid out by Silas Bingham. vVilliam
Buck, John Perkins, Timothy Smith, lieu-
ben Davis and John Jenk.ns, who were ap-
pointed a committee for that purpose on the
25th of May, 1770. After looking and
viewing for some time we begun on Shawnee
line about 20 rods east of Toby's Creek, at a,
saxaf rax stake on the east side of a road,
which we laid six rods wide. Thence we ran
north 45 degrees east, about 2% miler to a
small white oak staddle on the north side of
the town plot, thence X. 35 minutes E. 346
rods to a savil'rax stake on the DOrth side of
Abraham's Creek; thence N. 70 degrees E.
172 rods 1o a walnul stake: th nee N. 40 de-
grees E. 53 rods to a black oak stake: thence
N. 50 degrees E. about 1 mile to tho town
line, of Kingston and Exeter.
Some Newspaper Clippings.
[F/oin Republican Fanner, W-B., Oct. 20, L830.]
SUSQU EHANNA LIN >:.
This line has commenced running regular-
ly between Wilkes-Barre, Northumberland,
Williamsport, Harrisburg and Philadelphia
and intermediate places. The boats leave
Wilkes-Barre daily at 2 o'clock pm. and ar-
rive at Northumberland every morning at
1}:', o'clock and at Harrisburg the following
evening at 0 o'clock, where passengers will
remain overnight and take the r Olroad cars
next morning for Philadelphia, &c — through
in 48 hours from Wilkes-Barre.
Fare to Northumberland S2.00
" " Harrisburg 4.00
'' "Philadelphia 8.00
For freight or passage apply to
P. McC. Gilchrist, Phoenix Hotel,
Wilkes-Barre, May 7, 1839.
[In our days of "apprenticeship," cheap
fuel and rapid transit such things seem very
antiquated. Will the next half century
bring communism, a new caloric and aerial
yachts ?]
RUNAWAY APPK ENTICE .
In the Wilkes-Barre papers of that day
such advertisements as the following appear,
accompanied by a picture of a little fellow
galloping off with a bundle tied to a stick
and thrown over the shoulder:
"SIX CENTS REWARD.— Ran away from
the subscriber on the 12th inst.. James
Prinyle, an indented apprentice to the farm-
ing business, he was about 14 years of age,
of light complexion, he had on when he went
away butternut colored pantaloons, and
frock coat, all persons are forbid harboring
or trusting him on any account as no charges
will be paid. Isaac Smith.
Exeter Township, April 0th. 1830."
COAn FIFTY YEARS AGO.
[From Republican Fanner. Dec. "2, 1835.]
A Cabp. — I am now ready to deliver coal
to the citizens of Wilkes-Barre at the follow-
ing prices, viz.: At the shute.
Lump coal, per ton of 2,240 lbs 81 25
Bioken coal and raked 1 12
Fine coal without screening 75
Lime burner's coal per bushel l!o cents,
and 2o cents per ton additional for hauling.
A lex and F.a Gray,
Agent for Thomas Symington,
Wilkes-Barre, Oct. 27, 1835,
Tllh: HISTORICAL RECORD.
61
Willces-Iiarre Schools Fifty Years Apo.
[Contributed byG.H. R. Plumb.J
The following references to early educa-
tional facilities in Luzerne County will bo
interesting, not only to the oldest genera-
tion now living, but to their children, in
whoso minds the experiences nf their parents
in those early days wear the glamor of mis-
tical heroism. The elder Dr. Miner's letter
shows the spirit of most of those of his
generation, but with all their attempts they
failed to repair the old academy to any ex-
tent. Very likely it was owine to the ex-
ceedingly hard times following the financial
policy of the Government, and also that
emigration to the Western States was in
everybody's mind.
The fact that there was a female seminary
here so long ago is not generally known
among the younger people. "Wyoming
Seminary," another institution for females
contemporaneous with the former, was con-
ducted by the Misses Perry, also, in Wilkes-
Barre, having courses of study and expenses
not quite so high.
Is it not a little singular that the enterprise
which reared and sustained three such insti-
tutions under such circumstances should
have languished and been succeeded by an
apparently ineradicable stigma of "old fogy-
ism?" If it has resulted from the systems
of instruction and discipline that they prac-
ticed, our posterity will have abundance of
opportunity in the future to rid themselves
of spch shackles through the influence of
"object lessons,'' "kindergartens'' and ''in-
dustrial schools."
AN APPEAL FOR THE OLD ACADEMY.
[Excerpts from * letter by Dr.Thomas W. Viner
in Republican Fanner, April 20, 1836, John
Atherholt, Printer and Publisher.]
"As the old academy is no longer fit for
use but sinking into ruinous dilapidation,
the question forces itself upon us— shall we
let it go? . . . We might point with
pride to numbers of men in active life at
home and aboad, who adorn the professions
in which they are engaged — at the sacred
altar— in the army— at the bar and in other
employments who owe to the academy here
the best part of the education which has
rendered them useful, successful and distin-
guished. ... it is firmly believed that
no institution of the kind in the State,
during a number of years past, has perform-
ed the purposes of its establishment more
effectively. . . . Not the citizens of the
borough or vicinity alone, then, are con-
cerned in having a first-rate academy at
V\ ilkes-Barre, but also the whole county.
Shall it be said that the
institution which our fathers reared
when the county was yet new and money
scarce, and with which so many honorable
names are associated, as Scott, Mallory,
Greenough, Dyer, Denison, Beaumont,
Joseph, and Joel Jones, and i may be par-
doned if I add C. Miner, shall bo neglected
an d decay with on t an effort on our part to
hold fast the benefits that have resulted to
us? . . . And now with double the
wealth and treble the population is there
not public spirit enough in the county to
preserve it? Is there no reason to suppose
that, when the public improvements now in
a state of advancement shall be completed
and the valley rendered easily accessible that
this will become a place of resort by the in-
telligent traveler from Europe as well as
those of own country? ... A nourish-
ing academy, the tuition being moder-
ate, would bring from 40 to 50 boarders to
the town; the shoemaker would of course be
called on for shoes, and the tailor and mer-
chant in their callings: boarding houses
would be employed, and the farmer have
new demand for his produce."
The Wilkes-Barre Female Seminary was
opened during the latter years
of the existence of the academy. It
was on "River" Street, only shortly before
changed to that name from "Bank*' Street.
The appended advertisement isin the Re-
publican tanner for April 24, 1839:
WILKES-BABBE FEMALE SEMINAEY.
This institution will be open on the first
Wednesday in May for the reception of
pupils. The course of study will embrace
three years, including the primary clasp,
each j ear consisting of two terms of 22
weeks each. . . .
The course will embrace the following
studies:
PEIMABY CLASS.
1st Term — Orthography, reading, writing,
grammar, geography, arithmetic, history,
composition, etc., etc.
2d Term— Studies of the preceding term
reviewed and continued; outline of history,
natural philosophy.
JUNIOR CLASS.
1st Term — Grammar, arithmetic, history
geography, rhetoric with a reference to
composition, physiology.
2d Term — Grammar, chemistry, intellect-
ual philosophy, geography of the heavens,
algebra, logic and composition.
SENIOR CLASS.
1st Term— Algebra continued, logic,
Euclid, Aberombie on Moral Feelings, as-
tronomy, history, composition.
2d Term — Euclid, moral science, Evidence
of Christianity, Butler's Analogy, chemistry,
geology. . . .
TEEMS.
For board, lights, fuel. etc.. with tuition in
English branches, £?;> per terra.
For tuition of da> pupil.-, in English
branches, S6 per quarter.
62
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Washing per dozen 50
For tuition in French, $5.00
" " " Drawing and Painting. 4.00
" " " Mu^ic 3.00
Use of Piano 2.00
Provision will be made for instruction in
Latin and Greek without any additional
eharge to the pupil.
The department of Education will bo
under the direction of Miss F. M. Wood-
worth. The Seminary is delightfully situated
on tho bank of the Susquehanna.
State Historical Society Reception.
Some of our local antiquarians received
invitations to the fall reception of the Penn-
sylvania Historical Society, in Philadelphia
on Thursday Nov. 11. The affnir was in
charge of a committee of two, consisting of
Messrs. F. D. Stone and F. H. Williams.
All ot the rare historical treasures of the
society were thrown open for the inspection
of the guests. The reception continued
from eight o'clock until twelve. A luncheon
was served at half-past nine. Anion cr the
prominent persons oresent were: Hon.
Thomas H. Dudley, Assistant Bishop Whita-
ker, Dr. William R. Dunton, Kdward Ship-
pen, John Jordan. Jr , Charles Speucer,
Engineer George W. Melville (the Arctic ex-
plorer), S. Grant Smith, George M. Conar-
roe, Counsellor John I. Clark, H. S. Morris,
Horatio Gates Jones, James B. Sword and
others.
A N i: V i: XT F LLC A K K E R .
A Native of Wilkes-IJai re Who Passed
Through Two Wars, "Was Attacked
With Chagres Fever in South America,
Narrowly Escaped Assassination in
Missouri and Finally Met Death by
Accident.
The Rochester Union and Advertiser has
an interesting biographical sketch of our
former townsman, W. R. Loop, whose death
by accident has already been noted in the
Recoed. His career was so eventful that
we believe our readers will be glad to peruse
such portions of it as we can make room
for:
At St. Louis at the breaking out of the
Mexican War, he enlisted as a private, con-
tinuing in the army until the end of the war.
He was in the regiment under Col. Dono-
phan when the famous march was made un-
der Gen. Kearney from St. Louis to Santa
Fe. This was in 1846. The regiment was
disbanded at. S nta Fe, the soldiers rinding
their way back to St. Louis on foot in squads
of six to ten. Soon after his return to St.
Louis he embarked in the mercantile busi-
ness with a Mr. Brand (a Creole. ) The busi-
ness was continued until the great lire,
about 1849, when he was joined by his
brother Kdward. This was the year that
the cholera prevailed to such an ala.ming
extent, very many persons fleeing from the
city. Not so with Loop. He remained per-
severingiy, attending to his business, striv-
ing and succeeding in paying his debts,
thoughthe insurance companies paid himonly
50 cents on the dollar, the severity of their
losses compelling them in this course. These
were blue times for Loop; he paid his debts,
but only had enough money remaining to pur-
chase him an outfit for a journey across the
plains in 1S50 to California, which was com-
ing into notice about this time. He made
the journey with five companions, on foot,
having ox teams to carry their luggage.
The panic of 1851 bein^r precipitated soon
after he returned from California, and in
order to economize he shipped as a common
sailor before the mast, down the Pacific
coast to Nicaragua, thence through
the Nicaragua river and lake to Greytown,
where he had a violent attack of the Cha-
gres fever caused by exposure in the rainy
season, under a burning sun. From Grey-
town h- took the steamer Daniel Webster to
New York, being only just alive when the
steamer arrived. On recovering from this
tedious and dangerous illness, lasting the
entire winter, he found his way to Hannibal,
Mo., where he was employed by Mr. I. R.
Selms, an old and highly respected merchant.
Here he purchased a nice residence and had
his mother and sister with him. He remain-
ed at Hannibal until the exciting secession
times (preceding the Rebellion) staunchly
maintaining his character of a Union man.
loving his country and willing to make any
sacrifice. It will be remembered that Union
men, living on the borders between the
Northern, or free States, and the South-
ern, or slaves States, were in most trying
positions. No one probably suffered
more for his loyalty than Mr. Loop.
The men treated him cruelly, and the
women pointed their fingers at him in scorn
and derision in the streets. Yet he was xot
to be swerved a hair's breadth from the line
of duty, as he understood it. An acquain-
tance came near to him one day in his place
of business, when suddenly, without warning
of any kind, gave him a violent blow on the
head with a brick, evidently intending to
kill him. He concluded after this occurence
that it was not safe for him to remain there,
so he severed his connection with Mr. Selms,
much to the sorrow and regret of the latter,
himself a Union man, who was ruined by the
hatred of the Secessionists, and compelled a
short time alter Mr. Loop's departure to go
himself. On leaving Hannibal, Loop came
east, visiting Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the home of
his childhood, it was there that he enlisted
among: the "Emergency Men" at the call of
the State government in the summer
of 1863. After being mustered
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
G3
out of service on this occasion
ho returned to Wilkes -Bar re, and after a
very brief period ho enlisted again, this
time at the call of the general government,
for three years of the war in the 143d regi-
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, This regi-
ment was in the brigade, which was under
the lamented Gen. Wadsworth, which went
through the battles in Virginia. On the
seventh day of the nine days' battle of the
Wilderness he (Loop) received a bullet
through his hip, which wounded him so
severely that he was incapacitated for severe
manual labor during the remainder of his
life. He was taken to the Donglas Hospital
in Washington and from there he was trans
ferred to the City Hospital in Rochester. He
continued to reside here up to the dr.y of his
death, which occurred within one day of his
sixty-fifth birthday. An exemplary
Christian, a faithful, loving son. brother
and friend, his like will not soon be found
again.
COLONIAL SECRETARY THOMPSON.
The Supposed Stealing of His Uocly and
the Excitement Which was Created—
A Man Who Figured Prominently in
Continental Affairs.
A recent issue of the Philadelphia Evening
Bulletin contained an article by Dr. James
J. Levick, of Philadelphia, on "Thellarnton
Cemetery," an ancient private burying
ground near Bryn Mawr, the paper giving
details of an incident which agitated the
community intensely half a century ago. It
appears that the property passed in 1719
from Rowland Ellis, a noted Friend minis-
ter, to the Harrison family, who had come
from Maryland, the locality soon coming to
be called Harriton. Richard Harrison pro-
vided by will for the reservation of two acres
of his ground in Mtnon Township as a
Friends' meeting house and burial place for-
ever, the will bearing date of 174H. The
cemetery is now a neglected little plot, en-
closed by a stone wall, within which are 20 or
more graves, marked and unm irked. Sign-
boards offer a reward of S20 for arrest of
trespasses who injure the property. The
writer goes on to relate how these signs came
to be placed there. In 1824 was buried here
Charles Thompson, son-in-law of Harrison,
the founder. He was an Irishman, an
American patriot, and being, what was
rare in those early days, a short-hand, writer
he-was chosen secretary of the Stamp Act
Congress in New York, in 17t?r>. He was
unanimously elected secretary of the Conti-
nental Congress throughout its existence
and was secretary or the tir.-i IL.u^r of
R^pr^snT^t'vos. ft wns h° who nftViilly
notified Washington u* his * lrc. ion p> ihn
Presidency. He. was called "rhe Sam. Adams
of Philadelphia, the life of the cans.- of lib-
erty." After his remains had been peace-
fully mouldering m the tnmble-do *n bury-
ing ground of Harriton it was discovered
that his grave had been opened and the
body removed. The newspapers condemned
the offence and reward were offered tor the
perpetrators. Tin's soon brought out a letter
from a nephew of Charles Thompson, tint
out of respect of memory of his uncle and
after consultation with the relatives he had
caused the remains to be removed to a more
suitable place, a new cemetery known as
Laurel Hill, and a granite monument to be
erected. The affair caused great excite-
ment, but the public finally acquiesced in
the remova' and it became forgotten. Dr.
Levick's narrative is mainly new matter and
is intensely interesting. Mr. Thompson
spent his declining years in study of the
bible, he having made an original transla-
tion of the Septuagint and the New Testa-
ment.
The Osterhout Free Library.
The will of the late Isaac S. Osterhout,
who provided so munificently for the estab-
lishment of a free library in Wilkes-Barre,
stipulated that no steps should be taken until
five years have expired. This limit will be
reached next soring and the trustees are
casting about for some plan to pursue when
the time for action shall arrive. A meeting
was held by them last week, at which time
a distinguished public library specialist was
present, Mr. Melvil Dewey, of New York,
professor of Library Economy in Columbia
College, consulting librarian of VVellesley
College, secretary of the American Library
Association, editor of the Library Journal,
etc., etc. The ground was carefully gone
over with this gentleman and ins views had. It
will be remembered that an arrangement
has already been made for the purchase of
the Presbyterian Church property on Frank-
lin Street, though possession cannot be had
under a year or so, or at least until the con-
gregation shall be able to worship in some
portion of their handsome edifice now in
course of construction a few doors below, at
the corner of Franklin and Northampton
Streets.
It has been expected that the old church
would be demolished and a library building
erected on the site, but Mr. Dewey advises
aerainstsneha course, at least for the present.
His suggestion is that the trustees can as
yet form no adequate idea of the extent
to which such a library would be patronized
and that should there prove to be little de-
mand, any great outlay for an expensive
building or for an immense collection of
books would be undesirable. He recom-
mnTuD that the interior of rh° c'-r-ch pdifice
be converted into a library, this to be done
without any considerable outlay, and that
the books be purchased by degree-, or as
04
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
rapidly as the demand Beems to warrant.
After a few years of such a trial the building;
proper could bo constructed and properly
supplied with books. The church being m
excellent condition, .Prof. Dewey's sug-
gestion would seem to be an eminently prac-
tical one. His suggestion also implies the
use of such a portion of the interior as may
be necessary tor the- reception of the collec-
tion of the Wyoming Historical Society and
the use of tho present Sunday school room
for meetings of the society. Mr. Dewey's
plan would not at once add a handsome
building to our city, but would ultimately
lead to this desired result.
Caleb K. Wright, J:sq.'s New Book.
Our readers will pleasurably recall a
couple of historical novels from the pen of
our former townsman, Caleb E. Wright,
Esq., of the Luzerne bar, now of Doyles
town. In 1864 Harpers published his
"Wyoming. A Tale." an octavo pamphlet of
123 pages, and in 1873 J. B. Lippincott &
Co. published his "Marcus Blair. A Story
of Provincial Times. Written for the
Young. With Illustrations," 12 mo., pp.
165.
Now wo have another volume from his
nimble pen. entitled "On the Lackawanna.
A Tale of Northern Pennsylvania." It is
printed at Doylestowu aud is dedicated to
his life-long friend and companion on the
trout streams, Edward Dolph, of Scranton.
All through, the book suggests the dark
forests where trout abound, aud there are
numerous pen pictures of woods life which
must have been actual experiences of this
hardy fisherman, who even yet visits the
trout streams of old Luzerne as regularly
as the seasons. The volume comprises 253
pages and, as its title implies, has for its
scene tho Lackawanna-Wyoming region. It
is a tale of the troublous time when
the Yankee and Pennamite con-
test for tho soil of Wyoming
vexed the souls of our ancestors and even
spread desolation and death throughout
this beautiful valley. It is a love story — for
what purpose is it to write unless one weaves
a tale of love ? It opens, perhaps about
1780, certainly before 1762, with a thrilling
forest fire in the mountains of the Lacka-
wanna valley, and the meeting under a stone
arch bridge (the only place of safety) of two
fugitives, strangers to each other, a young
man and a young woman, he a Pennsylva
nian, she a Yankee, who has run away from
her Connecticut home. The stone arch
bridge, at so early a day, is rather a bold
creation of the novelist, but then a writer of
fiction must be permitted something by way
of poetic license. They become separated
while on the way to Capouse Meadows, and
she loses herself along the Nayaug. After
wandering four days she is found half dead
and given shelter by a Connection! family.
The pater domo intercepts a letter from her
old home begging her to return, as a relative
has died, leaving her the heir to the estate,
it to revert after her death to another relative,
who happens to be the man under whose
roof she is now being nursed back to life.
He determines upon making way with her by
poison, but fails, she having been warned by
a red-headed urchin who figures conspicu-
ously in the narrative. Two other unsuc-
cessful murderous attempts are subsequently
made. Shortly after she is ordered under
an est by Col. John Franklin on suspicion of
being a Pennamite spy. The evidence con-
sists of a package found in her possession,
addressed to Alexander Patterson, then in
command of Wilkes-Barre fort. Her enemy
inflames the Connecticut settlers with
whisky and lies and an attempt is made by
tnem to hang the suspect to the nearest tree.
An old Quaker interferes and the tradegy is
prevented, the crowd consenting to a trial,
with an old Hollander as judge. She proves
her Connecticut extraction and explains that
the package was slipped into her hands by
her unknown companion just before he
left her, they having been fired at from an
ambush. Sho is speedily transformed from
a spy to a heroine. Col. Franklin makes
an announcement which thrills her. Her
new friend is a pri-oner in the hands of
Patterson, at Wilkes-Barre, and is
to be shot on the accusation of em-
bezzling certain funds committed to his
care by the State authorities, to be delivered
to Patterson, the mysterious package al-
ready alluded to. She determines to rescue
him, a feat which she is enabled to do, aided
by the red-headed boy, who paddled his pas-
sengers down the Lackawanna and Susque-
hanna to Wilkes-Barre fort, where they got
the sentinel druuk and then easily rescued
the prisoner. The contests between tho
Yankees and the Pennamites wax warmer,
acquaintance kindles into love and
the reader cannot fail to become
intensely absorbed by Mr. Wright's
interesting narrative- Names of
familiar pioneers are here and there in-
troduc d. not forgetting the first physi-
cian of the Lackawanna region, br. Joseph
Spragne. The author's bent of mind is
strikingly seen in every chapter. Some-
times it is a little glimpse of the glories of
angling for trout, again it is a Hash of his
legal acumen, aud still again it is a touch of
that religious fervor which has always made
the author a leader in the church of his
choice. The spirit and purpose of the book
is excellent. It is a valuable contribution to
the literature of the region and Mr. Wright
may well entertain a just pride in being its
author.
rirv*L.
ton . . xi
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY JO
Ube SBarlP Ibisto^ of W^cniing Dalles
AND CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY
WITH
NOTES AND QUERIES
Biographical, Antiquarian, Genealogical
Vol. i]
o
EDITED BY F. C, JOHNSON, M. D.
December 18S6
[No. 4
WiLKES-r.ARRF., PA.
press ox u:e tCUifee&OBarre *i>vecorb
MDCCCl-XXXVI
The Historical Record.
Contcntv
Fugitives from the Massacre 65
Memorial Volume of Dr. Harrison Wright 67
Incidents in Life of Col. John Franklin.... 67
Lieutenant William Jones — 68
An Old Poem on Ireland '. 69
When Berwick was Founded 69
First Forty of Kingston 69
Historical Society, Proceedings of December Meeting 71
Early Days in Wayne County 72
Col. Sam Hunter on the Situation 72
Indian Name of Hunlock's Creek 72
The Texas Domain — 72
Hazleton's Centennial 7$
Recent Deaths 74
Sarah Gore Wood, Martin Cor/ell, Sarah E. Atherton.
Historical Notes 76
Paper Printed by Indians . _ 76
Lehigh Flood of 1 841 76
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XCbe historical IRecorb
Vol. I.
DECEMBER. 1886.
No. 4.
FUGITIVES FKOitl THE SLAUGHTER,
A Narative of Pioneer Suffering, Never
before Publish e J Here. Hair Breadth
Escapes From the Savages.
In Wyoming's centennial year (1778), the
gentlemen having: in charge the event were
the recipients of numerous interesting his-
torical communications from persons in
some way identified with the valley, but not
able to be present at the exercises. All
these are now in the custody of the Wyoming
Commemorative Association, and one of
them has been furnished by Secretary Wes-
ley Johnson for publication in the Rkcoi;d.
It is an obituary of one of the fugitives from
the slaughter, and was accompanied with an
explanatory letter to Hon. Steuben Jenkins
at Wyoming, from John L. Davison, Lock-
port, N. Y., a grandson of deceased. He
says her maiden name was Elizabeth Fitchet,
and that her husband was John Davison
the son of John. The John D. Davison
mentioned in the letter was the father of
John L. Davison, the fourth bearing the
name of John. The obituary was taken
from the Theresa Chronicle, Jefferson Co.,
#. Y., of May 5, 1848, and is (somewhat
condensed) as follows:
DEATH OF MRS. ELIZABETH DAVISON.
The above named lady departed this life
on the evening of Tuesday, the 2nd instant,
in the 87th year of her age, at the residence
of her daughter in this village,
_ Mrs. Davison was a native of Ponghkeep-
sie, from whence she removed witii her par-
ents to Pennsylvania at the period of
the Revolution, and resided at the
time of the massacre at Wyoming at a small
settlement about six miles from that ill fated
town.
The news of that lamentable event warned
the settlers of the village, consisting of nine
families, of which Mrs. Davison's formed one.
of the dangerous situation they were in. Ac-
cordingly they lost no time in endeavoring
to seek out a more secure abode, and after
undergoing fatigue and hunger for nine
da>s they were captured by a party of In
dians and Tories and reconducted to their
abandoned homes. Here their captors.
whose business was plunder, after having
selected the most commodious ami sumptu-
ous residence, set up life in a princely style,
compelling their pri-ouers to perform till the
menial offices of their household.
On one occasion a party of the brigands,
returning hungry, ordered the captive ■•
slaughter a pig and prepare them a suppsr.
Preparation being hastened with all possible
dispatch, the father of Mrs. Davison, em-
ployed, as desired by the savage leader, in
dressing the food, a tall Indian standing in
front of him, offered his hand in friendly
greeting— another at the same moment
planting himself in the rear of his intended
victim with his tomahawk lifted as if to give
the fatal blow, while the first savage attempt-
ed to seize the knife with which the prisoner
was emplojed. A struggle endued for the
weapou, in which the savage disarming his
foe, fell with the impetus of his own weight.
Regaining his feet, the furious Indian sprang
upon his prisoner, aiming the fatal plunge
at his breast. The distracted daughter, who
had remained till tins moment, saw no more,
but lied with the arrow's speed, and reported
the supposed murder of her father in the
rendezvous of her party—and then with the
spirit of extermination aroused in her
agonized breast, she procured a quantity cf
onions, a vegetable of which the Indians
were known to be fond. Slicing them, she
mingled with them a quantity of arsenic,
and took her way to their place
of banqueting to share the sad
fate of her father, or destroy the savages.
But their supper was ended and the banquet-
ers gone on some new expedition of mischief.
Where the girl had expected to find the
mangled corpse of her father, no trace of
him was to be met with, but during the en-
suing night his party were gladdened by his
return free from harm. Having eluded the
savage who had been intent on having his
scalp, he kept himself secreted till their de-
parture.
On another occasion, accompanying a dis-
tressed wife, whose absent husband, it was
feared, had fallen a victim to the violence of
the times, to her deserted cabin on some
necessary errand, the sorrowing woman fell
upon her knees and addressed her petitions
with such fervor to the God of battles for
the preservation raid safe return of her hus-
band as to inspire the trembling girl, who
had never heard prayer uttered in that fer-
vent manner till then, with a sympathetic
confidence with the poor wife, that the Su-
premo Disposer of events would not only re-
store the absent husband, but iu duo time
rescue the suffering band of captives, whose
66
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
lives wore suspended as upon the breath of a
savago brigand.
"And when on the following morning," to
nee the impressive language of the deceased!
•'I saw Thomas Paine for whose preserva-
tion his wife had so fervently prayed,
the only survivor of a scout of sixty
chosen men, ascend from the river bauk
in his saturated apparel and rush to the em-
brace of his joyful companion, I claimed no
further evidenco that the eternal Jehovah
took cognizance of and suoermtended the
affairs of men."
The discovery of a barrel of spirits, which
had been hidden in an adjoining field of
wheat on the flight of its proprietor, led to
the escape of the captives and consequent
breaking up of this Tory rendezvous. The
intoxicating beverage being distributed
among the reckless band aroused the slum-
bering fiend in their tierce nature. A plot
was formed in their drunken councils for the
massacre, daring the ensuing night, of all
the prisoners in their possession, and but for
the vigilance of Elizabeth, whose favor with
the chief gave her assurance sometimes to
mingle with his Tory court, the whole cap-
tive party must have shared the awful fate
of their neighbors of Wyoming. Suspecting
that all was not right, the heroic girl, taking
advantage of the friendship of a young In-
dian girl, won the important secret; and
then, acting in concert with the young
squaw, locked it close in her own breast
till the captives had retired with their
children to their allotted "caboose" for
the night, and the precise time had
arrived when the frenzy of the
savages had subsided into more
helpless intoxication, she -informed her
party of their danger, who noiselessly and
successfully stole from their drunken guard,
took a new direction through the forest, and
finally eluded their pursuers. Though in
momentary apprehension of a recapture, or
a scarcely more dreaded death that seemed
inevitable from exposure or starvation, the
hopes of this hunted party seemed not to be
broken till on the third day of their second
flight, the arrival of Col. Butler, with a force
of 375 men, to their inexpressible relief,
dispersed the brigands and garrisoned
Fort Wilkes- Barre for the protection of the
defenceless.
The father of Mrs. Davison, having suf-
fered so severely from the depredations of
the Tories, resolved to quit so insecure an
abode. Accordingly, he set out immediately
with his family, consisting of eight children,
all of whom were under sixteen years of
age, to return to Ponghkeepsie, whither the
mother of these children had some time
preceded them. They had now a distance
of Borne two hundred mile^ to traverse. The
cattle, with the goods secured upon the
backs of the oxen, were given in charge of
the heroic Elizabeth, now but seventeen
years of age, who, without j-hoes and with
no other covering for her head
than a man's hat, and in
three places gashed with a
tomahawk, entered on her charge. When ar-
rived at the Lehigh, Elizabeth with her cat-
tle had no means of crossing but by fording,
and being at a distance from her party, who
crossed a few miles below upon fallen tim-
ber, was thrown upon the resources of her
own invention for a mode of subduing the
difficulty. Directing her cattle into the
stream, which, to use her own language,
"was as orderly as a company of soldiers,"
with the exception of tue heifer, which she
claimed as her private property, this animal
she retained by regaling it with salt, with
which her pocket was furnished for the use
of her little herd, she watched the progress
of the others till they were safely over, and
then grasping her heifer by the tail with her
right hand, directing the animal into the
stream, holding a parcel containing her
clothiug above her bead in her left hand re-
solved, in her own words, "if I must be
drowned, to die with my heifer.'' But the
ptrong and active beast, instinctively carry-
ing its head above the surface, buffeted the
current strongly, notwithstanding the bur-
den of its struggling mistress, and both were
soon in safety on the opposite shore.
On one of the last days of her journey
Elizabeth in addition to her other charge,
bore her little brother of two years of age
sixteen miles upon her back.
At length the toilworn party arrived at
their destination in August, 1778. Refugees
bereft of home and possessions, the evils of
destitution and want, reared their formida-
ble front to menace the happiness of this
sorely tried family. Yet, Elizabeth and her
sisters p ocured employment in the
families of their more wealthy nevghbors,
and thereby assibted their parents with the
price of the labor of their hands, to retrieve
their fallen fortunes. It was while thus em-
ploy ed that Elizabeth met her future hus-
band in the person of a continental soldier.
who became some few months later her
companion for fifty-two years of wedded
felicity.
The subject of this sketch was the mother
of thirteen children, four boys and nine
girls, most of whom are living. She has
bved to see sons occupy honorable stations
in the government she had seen in its in-
fancy struggling for independence, and like
other mothers of the Revolution, will remain
engraved upon the metnorj as a monument
of female patriotism and greatness. It
would be well for the girls of the present
day to read this sketch and profit by the ex-
ample of this departed relic of the Revolu-
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
67
tion. We are indebted to her bou, Hon.
John D. Davison, of this village, for many
interesting incidents of her life, which we
shall publish at some future day. Also to
Mrs. Alvin Hunt, to whose able pen we are
mostly indebted for this interesting sketch
of the deceased.
[The narrative is interesting, but cannot
bo relied upon for historical accuracy, as
is to be expected when it be remembered
that it is the recollection of her childhood
days by a woman in the extremity ot age
and who had never afterward lived among
the scenes and people of her early frontier
home. As narrated to her children the in-
cidents would naturally be magnified by
those who transcribe them, from a pardon-
able desire to graphically portray the diffi-
culties through which she had passed. Such
family traditions are always interesting, but
must be taken with a grain of allowance.
For example, it is highly improbable that
any family in those days had "arsenic," nor
is it likely that . in the preparation for flight
the fugitive would have been cool enough to
carry a supoly of salt for the pet heifer
which was to save her life. Another diffi-
culty presents itself as to the names. That
of Davison does not appear anywhere in our
local histories. Nor does that of Fitchet,
though Fitch is a familiar name. The refer-
ence to Col. Butler as returning with a force
of men, dispersing the Indians and garrison-
ing Fort Wilkes- Barre, is also a confusion of
fact. If any of our readers are in possession
of information that will throw light on the
families mentioned the> will confer a favor
by addressing the Recobd. — Editor.]
In Memory of Harrison Wright.
A most interesting volume has just been
issued by the Wyoming Historical and Geo-
logical Society, the third in the "Proceed-
ings and Publications" of that organization.
It is a pamphlet of 128 pages and is a
memorial to the late Dr. Harrison Wright,
its recording secretary, whose death occurred
last year. The book is given an additional
value by the insertion of an admirable
phototype of Dr. Wright, which is strikingly
life-like. About half of the contained mat-
ter is taken up with a biographical sketch by
George B. Kulp. Esq., the same covering the
Wright family and the related families of
Cist and Hollenback. A brief review of the
literary work of deceased is given by Sheldon
Reynolds, who was probably his most inti-
mate confrere. Other contents are resolu-
tions submitted to the society by C. Ben
Johnson, a poem by D. M. Jones, Esq., pro-
ceedings of the Luzerne County Bar, of the
Osterh ut Free Library and the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania. The volume is
from the press of R. Baur &. Son.
THE HERO OF WYOMING.
Some Incidents in the Life of John Frank-
lin who Took an Oath Upon the Bleed-
ing Form of )i is Murdered Friend That
he Would Never lay Down his Arms
Till the Pennamites Wore Fxpelled
From Wyoming.
At the last meeting of the Historical
Society, Mrs. M. L. T. Hartman, of Shick-
shinny, read an excellent paper on the early
history of lower Luzerne County, the same
having been prepared for presentation at
the Luzerne Centennial. We take pleasure
in submitting a brief synopsis, Mrs. Hart-
man's sketch covering the event* that tran-
spired in tho southwestern part of the county
prior to its erection in 178t>. Mention was
made of the land troubles between the
Pennsylvania government and the Connecti-
cut settlers. The latter had become dis
trustful of the honesty of the State
authorities by reason of having been
imposed upon by laws passed by
interested and malicious parties in the
Assembly and which had been enforced
by tyrants. The Connecticut settlors had
possessed and cultivated the land, acquired
by purchase from its former owners, the Six
Nations, had built homes in the wilderness
and endured toil and privation, all because
they had full faith in the right of the Con-
necticut charter to hold possession for them.
Passing over the early troubles,
arrests, imprisonments, persecutions,
wrongs and revengeful murders per-
petrated on the early Yankee settlers
by Patterson, Armstrong and others,
under pretext of Pennsylvania justice,
mercy and truth, Mrs. Hartman proceeded
to consider John Franklin. He was a repre-
sentative Connecticut Yankee, the first white
man to settle in the southwestern part of
Luzerne County. He located there in the
spring of 1775, cleared land, built a
home for his young wife and chil-
dren. Others soon joined him as neigh-
bors. Samuel Trescott (Mrs. Hartman's
great grandfather) was surveyor of the land.
Col. John Franklin's father, also named John
was committee of Huntington appointed
by the Susquehanna Company. The senior
John Franklin was seldom in Huntington,
but his son and namesake was his authorized
depnty. About 1775 Nathan Beach and some
others settled in Salem. Elijah Austin occu-
pied the land and water power in Shick-
shmny, and the families of Hunlock, Blanch-
ard and others the lands about the mouth of
Hunloek's Creek. The population of the
region increased. A saw mill was built at
Shickshmny by Elijah Austin, who brought
the metal portions from Connecticut on
sleds during winter, as the roads were too
rough and bridgeless to be traveled with
loads at other seasons.
OS
the Hia:
'TCAL HKCOlUh
John Franklin, then a young man of 20
(having boon born in 1749 in Litchfield,
Conn.,) was regarded asaleader. He was one
of the first ',100 settler's who came to Wyoming
in the spring of l?»'>!', then in his 20th year.
He was probably wiih Stewart's Rangers
when their "Jiu/./a for George the Third"
rang loud and clear over the sleeping garri-
son of Pennamites on that frosty morning
in 1.770, when, as Dr. Egle relates, the
house of Lancaster came to the rescue with
the returning Yankees.
John Franklin was a leader in every enter-
prise, and as a civil justice, military com-
mander, legislator or general counsellor he
was kLOwn, esteemed, trusted and beloved
and might weil be acknowledged by all as the
hero of Huntington, the hero of "Wyoming
and one of the heroes of the world.
In 1778 when Wyoming was invaded by
the combined horde of Tories and Indians,
Franklin was paptain of a company of vol-
unteers for Huntington and Salem. Lieut.
Stoddard Bowen, ot Salem, pressed on with
a part of the company and arrived at Forty
Fort in time to participate in the battle.
He was killed, also Elias and David Bi.xby
(or Bigsby), Levi Hicks and Job Marshall,
and perhaps others.
Franklin's detachment arrived too late,
exhausted by their long march and loss of
sleep and resr. They were appointed to as-
sist in preparing the fort for surrender.
Solon Trescott, (Mrs. Hartman's grand-
father) his elder brother Samuel, Thomas
Williams and some other Huntington men,
were held as prisoners, but were paroled by
John Butler. Soon after a general exodus
of the people took place.
Capt. Franklin's wife died of small pox in
Windsor, Bucks Co., Fa., in So\ ember fol-
lowing. After taking his motherless chil-
dren to Connecticut he returned to the deso-
lated valley to assist in defending those in
danger and to punish the enemy.
Huntington is proud to claim such a man
as the pioneer, leader and friend of her
people.
Lie.utenaut William .Jones.
The account in the Reco&d of the Masonic
burial of Capt. Davis and Lieut. William
Jones, who were killed by the Indians near
Wyoming, in 1770, has brought out some
very interesting information. We are in-
formed by Miss Emily I. Alexander that the
stone which now marks their grave was
erected by George M. Hollenback and that
she remembers distinctly of accompanying
her father and Mr. Hollenback to the old
burying ground on Market Street and mak-
ing a search for the original stone. She re-
members, though only a child, how thf»sron«
looked, she describing it ?is of rt-ci mountain
^tone and bearing, in addition to the inscrip-
tion, a Manonic symbol. Mies Alexander
says that Mr. Holler back remarked that he
was related lo Lieut. Junes and would erect
a marble slab to replace the original stone,
which had become very much defaced.
The dust of these honored dead is now
buried in Hollenback Cemetery, not many
rods to the north of the entrance and in a
triangular lot owned by Lodge <T, A. Y. M.,
and set apart for these two graves alone.
The marble is becoming yellow and as a cor-
respondent suggests, should be replaced by
a more imposing monument. That the
grave is nol neglected is shown by the fact
that it is beautified by a thrifty weeping
willow, a holly shrub and some arbor vitie
bushes, to say nothing of the liags which are
placed upon it by loving hands every Decora-
tion Day and which flutter as long as a shred
is left by the windswhich sweep over the hills.
A conversation with Mr. Edward Welles
has elicited the following note:
Editob Recoed: This youug oflicer was,
I believe, a nephew, certainly a noar rela-
tive, of Mrs. Eleanor Jones Hollenback,
mother of Matthias Hollenback, of Wilkes-
Barre, and wife of John Hollenback, of
Lebanon, near Jonestown. He was one of
the officers in Major Lowell's detachment
sent on in advance of Sullivan's army, on
its way to the Susquehanna in the month of
April. 1779: and was one of several men
slain in an ambush near Laurel Run. The
following is a copy from the original epi-
taph on his tombstone, now gone into de-
cay: taken from the old brown stone then
lying in the Hollenback cemetery, in the
month of October, 1868:
In memory of
Capt. J. Davis
of the 11th Penna. Regt.
also
Lieut. William Jones
who were massacred by the savages
on their march to the relief of
the distressed inhabitants of Wyoming
April 23, 1779.
Erected bj the Brotherhood
July 25, the same year.
The inscription upon the original stone
has been copied in the present one, except
that the last two lines are replaced by the
words "Erected by a friend."
You will observe that the date given in the
extract from the Providence f R. I.) Gazette
of Sept. 18, 177H, for the ceremony of rein-
terring the two officers, Davis and Jones,
does not record with that given on the tomb-
stone, erected at the time, the latter being
July 25, and the former July 28. If you
have a perpetunl calendar, yon may find
which is the correct date, a* the newspaper
account gives the day of the areek as being
THE HISTORICAL KJSCORD.
Tuesday. What you want is to find out
whether that day of the week fell upon the
;i5th or the 28th of the month. [There
KCpms to be considerable confusion as to the
date.- The newspaper item already alluded
to says the funeral occurred on Tuesday, the
',i&th, whereas, Tuesday fell upon the 27th.
(Jan Stryker's sketch of the Sullivan expedi-
tion, gives still another date, July29,thoagh
without specifying the day of the week. —
Editor. |
The present tombstone was erected by the
lateG.M. Hollehhack, Esq., when the original
had become much dilapidated. The latter is
said to have been buried in the same lot in
Hollenback Cemetery, where the remains of
Messrs. Davis and Jones were reinterred, as
described by your correspondent, W. J.
Ought not a granite monument to be
erected over the graves of those two men, in
Hollenback Cemetery? w.
Nov. 20, 1886.
An Old Poem on Ireland.
[The Easton papers publish the following
lines, written at Berwick by Rev. James
Lewers, immediately after the passage in
the year 1829 of the Act of "Catholic Eman-
cipation," and now at thi- interesting period
of Ireland's history, reproduced from mem-
ory by the writer's brother, Dixon Lewers,
formerly of Wilkes-Barre, now a resident
Of Easton:]
When ' freedom came down from the skies with
a smile,
And flew round in triumph unfettering the
nations,
Ah, say, could she pass by the Emerald lele
And beam not a glance of her dark desolation?
The land that contains our Emmett's remains
Could she leave it forever in darkness and
chains ? [sea.
No ! List to the voice that sounds loud o'er the
Tis liberty speaks and our country is free.
"Oh, land of the west," cried the spirit of light
As on Ulster's green mountains at last she de-
scended, [night,
"Have T left thee to groan beneath slavery's
Thy tears still unnoticed, thy claims unde-
fended ?
Dear isle that has been in rny battles still seen
With thy bright, flashing sword and thy standard
of green:
Have I left thee in bondage to weep o'er the sea ?
Rise ! Erin Mavourneen ' arise an> be free.''
"( an the days of thy Ullin be ever forgot,
The proud plume of war and love's eye softly
beaming ?
Or thy Brian the Brave in rav battles that
fought
Neath the harp woven standard victoriously
streaming,
Or that shout round the shore that the ocean
breeze bore
On Clontarf when the Norse-man lay stretched in
his gore.
Arise ! Let the nation? the bright record see
And ask the proud world why thou should'st not
De free."'
When Hciwicu was Founded.
Editor Recobd: 1 notice in No. 2, page
38, of the Historical Record, the letter of the
Hon. Steuben Jenkins in relation to the
founding of Berwick, in which he quote4-
froui a letter of Thomas Cooper, giving the
date of settlement ot Berwick as of tin: LOch
of Ma> , 1787. He closes with the remark:
"Jt would seem to be satisfactory evidence
of the time when the town of Berwick was
laid out."
The indications are that Berwick wa- laid
out earlier than the date given above. 'J irao-
thy Pickering, in a letter to Gen. Muhlen-
burg, bearing date of Philadelphia, April 5,
1787, says:
''That application should be made to Coun-
cil to appoint Evan Owen a Commissioner
to explore, survey and make the best route
for the road, and that Jacob Weiss should
contract to open it so as to render it lit for
passing wagons carrying a ton
weight. This proposal I made on this prin-
ciple— That persons interested in having the
shortest and best road cat would be the
fittest to be employed to execute the work.
Mr. Owen is an intelligent man and (I find
on inquiry) a man on whom the public may
repose great confidence. He owns a tract
of land opposite the mouth of the Nesco-
peck, which lie has laid out into lots
for a town, and has no intermediate in-
terest."
The letter is too long to produce here, but
enough has been given to show that Ber-
wick was laid out before April 5, 1767, and
when we bear in mind that Pickering wrote
this in Philadelphia, it is fair to presume
from the fame of the town having reached
there as early as April 5, 1767, that it must
have been laid out at least some months
before that date.
C. F. Hill.
Hazleton, Pa.. Dec. 13, 1886.
The First Forty of Kingston.
After the treaty at Port Stanwix, in 176S,
had quieted the troubles with the Six Na-
tions, the Susquehanna Company decided,
at a meeting held at Hartford Dec. 28.
1768, to settle the much coveted lands at
Wyoming. It was determined to lay out
five townships, to be settled by the tir-t ot
February thereafter, the first to have 40 set-
tlers, each of the others to have 50. Each
township was to be five miles square. The
committee named the first township Kings-
ton. The others were named Wilkes-Bar e,
Pittston, Plymouth and Hanover, in this
order. Three full shares in each township
were devoted to religion, education and
charity .These townships were afterwards c di-
ed Hanover, Plymouth, Kingston, Wilkes-
Barre and Pittston. Upon the arrival of the
first 40 from Connecticut, they found the
70
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
valley already occupied by representatives
of the proprietary government of Fcnnsyl
vania, who were authorized to lav out two
manors, one on either side of the Susque-
hanna, the Manor of Stoke and the Manor
of Bun bury. They we^e given leases on
tracts of hind, were to establish a trading
post with the Indian?, euconrage immigra-
tion and expel intruders, the latter term, of
course, applying to settlers from Connecti-
cut. When the first 40 arrived they found
the Pennsylvanians located at the mouth
of Mill Creek, in buildings which had been
erected six years before by the Connecticut
people whom the Indians had murdered
or expelled. Finding the enemy in posses-
sion the Connecticut 40. who arrived in
February, 1709, constructed a stockade
across the river and named it for their
number, Forty Fort. A little later it was
determined to expel the Pennamites and
they accordingly surrounded the blockhouse
and demanded a surrender, in the name of
Connecticut. Their demand was met with a
request for a conference, and the Connecti-
cut men. unsuspicious of treachery sent
Messrs. Tripp, Elderkin and Follett into the
blockhouse. They were immediately seized
and taken to the Easton jail, their 37 asso-
ciates accompanying of their own accord.
They were immediately bailed out, returned
to Wyoming and inaugurated the famous
"Pennamite and Yankee War," which con-
tinued for thirty years, it terrupted in part
only by the Revolutionary War. Mr. Jen-
kins is authority for the statement that the
Pennamites undoubtedly instigated the at-
tack on Wroming to clean out the tettlers
and get possession of the lands.
The following list of the first 40 settlers is
from the MSS. collection of Hon. Steuben
Jenkins of Wyoming:
A list of the Proprietors or first Forty of
Kingston:
Isaac Tripp,
Benjamin Follet,
Zebulon Butler,
Thomas Dyer.
Nathaniel Wales,
Committee.
Samuel Gaylord,
Joseph Frink,
Stephen Harding,
Stephen Jenkins,
Ezra Belding,
Timothy Smith,
Thomas Bennett,
Elijah Shoemaker.
Peter Harris,
Benjamin Shumaker,
Stephen Gardner,
John Jenkins,
Viue Elderkin,
William Buck,
Andrew Metcalf,
Simeon Draper,
Reuben Davis,
Asahel Atherton,
Joshua Hall,
Richard Brockway
Timothy Pierce,
Jonathan Dean,
John Comstock,
Theophilus Westover, Parshal Terry,
Silas Bingham, Elijah Buck,
Oliver Smith, Nathan Denison
Cyprian Lathrop.
accepted
accepted
accepted
accepted
On Vine Elderkiu's right, accepted Isaac
Warner.
On Joshua Hall's right, accepted John
Perkins.
On Peter Harris' right, accepted Elijah
Harris.
On Nathan Walsworth's rigid,
Joseph Walter.
On Allen Wightman's right,
Douglass Woodworth.
On Cyprian Lathrop's right.
Palmer Jenkins.
On Stephen Harding's right,
Israel Jones.
On Henry Dow Tripp's.
Timothy Peirce, occupied by John Peirce.
Asahel Atherton, accepted James Ather-
ton.
Samuel Gaylord, accepted Timothy Gay-
lord.
The above is a true list or roll of the Forty
first settlers on the West Side of the Eastern-
most Branch of Susquehanna River as I was
ordered By the Committee to Return ye
same to Maj. Dorkee, President at Wilkes-
Barry. Test.
Akdbew Metcalf, clerk to said forty.
June ye 28, 1770.
[Note by S. J.: The names of Nathan
Walsworth, Allen Wightman, Elias Roberts,
Zerrubbable Jerroms, Henry Dow Tripp
were erased by two lines being drawn across
them. Their names, so far as they appear
again, are given above.]
Forty-five years ago the old stage driven
by Alex, and George Kenner, ran up one day
from Wilkes-Barre to Carbondale and duwn
the next, carrying at no time more than half
a dozen passengers. Now six first-class
passenger trains run daily between Scranton
and Carbondale well filled. vVhat a change!
— Scranton Republican.
That recalls a remark made by Hon. Victor
E. Piollet in a speech at the recent opening
of the Lehigh Valley RR. Co.'s Vosburg
Tunnel. He said that when Asa Packer was
projecting the road the objection was made
that there was a canal which was sufficient
to carry all the coal from the Wyoming
Valley and a stage line from Wilkes-Barre
to Philadelphia which was ample to carry all
the passengers who wanted to go — therefore
what hope could there be that an expensive
thing like a railroad could be maintained!
To-day the Lehigh Valley has 19 passenger
trains daily leaving its magnificent station
in Wilkes-Barre, to say nothing of the freight
and coal trains.
In 1782, Mary Pritchard was fined five
shillings for going away from her residence
unnecessarily on the Sabbath day.
THE. HISTORICAL RECORD.
71
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Mm. M. !>. T, Hartman Reads a Paper on
Lower Luzerne-A Map of Sullivan's
Campaign Presented— Other Valuable
Donations.
The quarterly meeting of tl,e Wyoming
Historical and Geological Society, was held
December 10, Judge Dana presiding, and the
following ladies and gentlemen, among
other*, being in attendance:
Judge Loop, C. Parsons, 0. A. Parsons,
S. Reynolds, 0. C. Hillard, Hon. C. D.
and Mrs. Foster, Miss Emily Alexander, Miss
McClintock, M. H. Post, Dr. and Mrs. Ing-
ham, G. H. Butler, Charles J. Long, Frank
Phelps, R. Sharpe, W. S. Monroe, Rev. H.
G. Miller, G. R. Bedford, Hon. J. R. Wright,
John Roichard, Edward Welles, Miss Geral-
dine Culver, J. E. Patterson, C Morgan,
Jr., W. H. and Mrs. Brown, P. C. Johnson.
Secretary J. Ridgway Wright read the
minutes as also from the Recced the account
of the adjourned meeting of the society held
in the court house on the occasion of the
celebration of the centennial of Luzerne
County.
A long list of contributions were ac-
knowledged, among them the following:
Cabinet— Indian implements, thong dress-
er, nammer stone, pitted stone. Sheldon
Reynolds; arrow and spear points, H. C.
Wilson, Mt. Vernon, 0.; Trinidad asphalt,
Dr. C. F. Ingham: Brinton Coxe, old prints.
Library— Rev. C. B. Bradee, Lyman H.
Lowe, Ron. J. A. Scranton, Commissioners
of State Survey, American Museum of
Natural History, C. J. Hoadiey, F. C. John-
son, Col. Reynolds, Hon. E. L. Dana, Essex
Institute, American Geographical Society,
New Jersey Historical Society, Record ex-
changes containing historical articles, John
S. McGroarty, A. E. Foote. Laurence
Francis Flick, Ed. Ruch, H. H. Har-
vey, Kansas Historical Society, Ameri-
can Catholic Historical Society,
Newport Historical Society, Win. J. Back,
Glasgow Archaeological Society, Australian
Museum, E. F. Duren, Smithsonian Institu-
tion, Canadian Institute, Hon. Steuben Jen-
kins, G. B. Kulp, Public Opinion, Science,
Will S. Monroe, Rhode Island Hi-toricai
Society. Library Bureau, W. P. Ryman, W.
P. Miner, Royal Academy of Hi=tory Belles
Lettres and Antiquity, Sweden, and the sev-
eral government publications, of which the
society's library is a depository.
Among the publications of interest was a
catalogue of autographs belonging to estate
of the late Lewis J. Cist, Vol. 13 of the
Colonial Records of Connecticut, pamphlet
on Indian methods of arrow release. "Hu-
guenots on the Hackensack," description of
the Frances Slocum relics, Back's "Hist >ry
of the Indiau Walk," Historical Record,
"Jenkins Family of Rhode Island," pam-
phlet on cannibalism among American In-
dians (by Gen. C. W. Darling, Utica, N. Y. ),
a newspaper published by the Ojibway In-
dians.
The contributions of Brinton Coxe, Esq.,
president of the Historical Society of Penn-
sylvania, include the following: Facsimile
of an authentic silhouette ot Washington,
lifo size; ordinal political caricature pub-
lished in 1774, relating to throwing the tea
overboard in Boston harbor; fac simile of
the first royal proclamation relating to Penn-
sylvania, April 2, 1681; an old broadside of
1788: "observations by the committee of the
landholders on the utility and importance of
the roads proposed to be laid open in North-
ampton and Luzerne," from the papers of
Tench Coxe, one of the Philadelphia com-
mittee.
Judge Dana spoke of a brief correspond-
ence with Gen. John S. Clarke, of Auburn, N.
Y., relation to the old Sullivan Road. Gen.
Clark informed the society of some inter-
esting details of the route in the Wyoming
region, and offered to furnish a copy of a
pamphlet on the subject at a sbght expense.
Gen. Clarke referred also to the death of
Joues and Davis on the road near Laurel
Run. His letter was accompanied by a fac
simile map of the route of Gen. Sullivan's
army from Easton to a point 20 miles above
Wilkes-Barre, Buttermilk Falls. The
map was mado by one of Sullivau's
officers, Lieut. Lodge, and gives considerable
detail as to streams, mountains, settlements,
etc. It is copied from the archives of the
New YTork Historical Society and is one of
a series of five maps covering the entire
route of the Sullivan expedition. They will
be reproduced by the State of New York and
5,000 copies printed to accompany the
history ot the Sullivan campaign now being
prepared in minute detail at the expense of
the Commonwealth of New York.
The following gentlemen were elected to
membership: Resident. Joseph D. Coons.
Edwin Shortz, Rev. W. F. Watkins, Jr. Cor-
responding, Col. J. A. Price, W. A. Wilcox,
Scranton; Dr. D. G. Brinton. Win. A. Dar-
lington, Philadelphia: Gen. C. W. Darling,
Utica, N. Y.: Dr. Walter J. Hoffman, Wash-
ington, D. C.
At this point Mrs. Hartman read an admir-
able paper on the Huutington Valley portion
of Luzerne County. It was a patriotic tri-
bute to John Franklin, who figured so pro-
miuentlj in Wyoming history, of which we
give a synopsis on page 67 of this issue.
Mrs. Hartman also gave some statis-
tics as to the agricultural and other re-
sources of Huntington, together with an ex-
cellent poem of her own composition. Upon
taking her seat Mrs. Hartman was warmly
applauded and a vote of thanks paseed.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Dr. Ingham offered a resolution that a
committee be appointed to consult I in con-
junction with the trustees; with the trustees
of the proposed Osterhont building, with
reference to the quarters that are intended
to be provided in that building for the His-
torical Society. The chair appointed Calvin
Parsons, Edward Welles and William P.
Miner.
Judge Dana, as meteorologist of the city,
submitted a detailed report for the last three
months. In September the average temper-
ature was 65, as compared with 60 in 1885
and 06.7 in 18S6. The rain fall was -1 48
inches, as compared with 1.24 inches in 1885
and 1.(56 inches in 1884.
October, average temperature 52, 50 in
1885 and 535 in 1884. Rain fall 2 06
inches in 1886, 4.45 in 1885 and 8.44 in
1S84.
November, average temperature 35, 40 in
1885 and 35k' in 1884. Rain fall 5.84
inches in 1886, 5.22 in 1885 and 3.28 in
1884.
These figures show the present year (Sept.,
Oct. and Nov.) to have been much wetter
than its two predecessors, the Lgures beintr
13.28 inches in 1886, 10.01 in 1885 and 8.38
in 1884.
Adjournment was than had until the an-
nual meeting in February. Many of the
visitors remained and inspected the map of
the Sullivan Road and the several contribu-
tions.
JEarIy .Days in "Wayne County.
A new history of Wayne County is being
published. The Honesdale Herald gives
some gleanings therefrom, a few of which
we copy as being of local interest:
Daniel Skinner and others were the pio-
neer white settlers in Wayne County,
settling at Cochecton in 1757.
The first road opened through Wayne
County was cut 1762 by the Connecticut
settlers going to Wyoming. The second was
the old North and South road, extending
through our western townships from Mon-
roe County to the north line of the State.
The former was opened in 1762 and the lat-
ter in 1788.
Dr. Lewis Collins, of Cherry Ridge, was
Wayne's first resident physician. He was
born in Connecticut in 1753 and died at
Cherry Ridge in 1818.
Ebenezer Kingsbury. Jr.. from 1883 to
1840 proprietor of the Wayne County Herald,
was State Senator from l£88 to 1842: How-
kin B. Beardslee. another of its editors, was
Senator from 180-> to 1868. Thomas J.
Hub bell, another editor, and H. B. Beardslee
were both members of ihe Legislature: and
Warren J. Woodward, still another, was sub-
sequently a Judge f the Supremo Court.
Col. Shiii. Hunter on th<- Situation.
I The writer of the following letter was
Col. Samuel Hunter of Northumberland
County, and the reference to the Wyoming
people induces me to rend it forward for the
IiisTOitrcAL Record. Col. Hunter was a
notable man., He resided on the site of Fort
Augusta (Sunbury.) which he owned: was
justice of the peac^, Member of Assembly
prior to the Revolution, colonel of one of
the Northumberland County associated bat-
talions, and county lieutenant duriug the
trying days of the struggle for independ-
ence. He died in 1784. The letter p.as to
"Mr. Owen Biddle. Merchant, Philadel-
phia." W. H. B.]
Fort Augusta, 16th October 1775
Sir: As I came to Lancaster I was inform-
ed the situation our County was in for want
of Ammunition, which made me aply to the
Committee of Lancaster County for three
Hundret w't of Gun Towder and nine Hun-
dred w't of Lead, and so far prevail'd on
them to let me have the above Quantity, by
Giwing them an Order on the Committee of
Safety tor the Province, to allow them so
much out of the Quantity alow'd for the
County Northumberland. What indused me
to give such an Order was what you told me
that evening 1 left Town, that you thought
Our County should have some Ammunition,
and I think there is no time we stand more
in need of the like, when our Properties is
invaded by a diferent Colony, Especially at
these times of General Calamity. When we
should unite as one in the General cause of
liberty.
I am S'r
your most Obed't Humble Serv't
To Owen Biddle. Sam'l Hunteb
The Historical liecord.
In a letter from Caleb E. Wright, E-q.,
Doylestown, formerly of Wilkos-Barre, that
gentleman writes: "I like your monthly.
Such a publication was needed and should
have been started at an earlier date. Send
me all the numbers as I desire to bind
them."
Mr. C. F. Hill writes from Hazleton:
''Send me Nos. 1 and 2, as I intend to pre-
serve and bind them, and I want the work
complete. 1 hope you will give the Histori-
cal Record your best attention and push it.
There is a world of unpublished history of
the Revolutionary frontier of Pennsylvania
which included the North and West Branches
of the Susquehanna River, aud every citizen
in this terribly scourged frontier is interest-
ed in its early history, much of which now
lives only in tradition. I am preparing
some history for the KliCOKD, much of which
has uoi'iT appeared in print and will for-
ward as so"ii as 1 can verify certain matters
as to names aud dates."
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Td
Indian Name of Uuulock's Creek.
The following recently discovered scrap of
history which has come into my hands as
secretary of the Wyoming Commemorative
Association, is thought to be worthy of a
I>1 ace in the Record: /
"Whereas, Jonathan Hud lock, one of ye
proprietors ot ye Susquehanna Purchase,has
been hero with a complaint, and ^ays he is a
Proprietor in ye Susquehanna Purchase,
and he made a pitch in said purchase at a
place called by ye name of Mossacota, down
ye river, abont three miles from Nanticook
faivls, down ye river, and on ye west side of
ye East Brauch of ye Susquehanna, etc."
The formal parts of this ancient document,
dated April o, 177L which confirms the said
Jonathan Hunlock in the possession of his
"pitch," and is signed by a committee of
settlers, we omit. From the foregoing it
appears that the Indian name of the stream
now called Hunlock's Creek, was Mossacota.
This is h euphonious and pretty name, and
its restoration as the name of that whirling,
leaping, dashing mountain tributary would
be approved by all lovers of the beautiful in
nomenclature as well as in more solid mat-
ter. w. J.
The Texas JJomain.
Editor Record: History to be of any real
value should be correct in details. I have
just been reading an article in No. 3 of your
interesting collection of historical matter,
entitled "How we acquired our Domain."
Among other things, the article in dealing
with the subject of the Texas domain, says
that after the admission of that State into
the Union, "Texas was bankrupt, and for
the public lands we got from her, sixteen
millions' dollars of her debts were paid by
this country."
This is a mistake. The United States
Government did not acquire one acre of
land by way of dowry, when we received
the young "Lone Star" Republic into the
sisterhood of States. The sixteen million
dollars incumbrance was assumed by the
general government, but Texas still
held all her vast domain from
the rich cotton plantations on the lower
Brazos and Colorado to the Cross Timbers
and Great Buffalo range on the west to Rio
Grande del Norte. The public lands of
TexMg were all sold by the State and not by
the United States, and the proceeds of such
sales went into the State Treasury, what
littlo there may have been left after paying
expenses of issuing land scrip which was
sold in great measure to speculators and
land-grabbers as low as twenty cents an
acre.
IIAZI.IOTON'S CKNTENJN 1 At,.
A Short History «f Things Pertaining to
the Location of Koatls and Other Xn-
terohl in;; Facts.
The Hazleton Sentinel prints the following
interesting communication, which we pre-
sume is from the pen of Charles F. Hill:
Hazleton has a Centennial on hand which
it is in duty bound to obse«ve. L^ss than
one hundred jears ago Hazleton and its sur-
rounding- was a howling wilderness with
nothing but a few Indian paths through its
solitary wilds. The paths originally led
from the Lehigh Gap across this mountain
to the mouth of the Nescopeck, a branch
from this Nescopeck path from about Beaver
Meadow led to the Wyoming
region. The first organized ef-
fort to break through this wilder-
ness was an act of assembly dated March
29, 1787, which resulted in opening the first
turnpike road, which was done by Evan
Owen, the founder of thetovn of Berwick.
The road was strongly advocated by Timothy
Pickering, Esq., and by Gen. Muhlenburg,
and also by the Philadelphia Co. for pro-
moting manufactures and the useful arts in
the town Berwick, upon the Susquehanna, as
you will see by the following communication
of company named:
To the Honorable Committee of the Supreme
Executice Council of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania appointed for the special
purpose of considering what future roads
may be Nccesseiri/ to be Opened, etc., in
said Commonwealth.
May it Please Your Honors:
The subscribers beg leave to mention to
you the propriety of opening a road from or
near Leonard Balliard's house in Mahanoy
Valley, about 71 miles from Philadelphia
into the road directed to be opened
by an Act of the Honorable the
Legislature, passed the 29th day of March,
1786, which 1 ads to the falls ot the Nesco-
peck in the river Susquehanna. The advan-
tages attending this proposed road would be
very considerable to the inhabitants settled
in the counties of Northumberland and
Luzerne in particular, but to the State in
general, many of whom have a circuitous
route of two hundred miles, who
would then have no more than half
that distance to brine: their produce to
this market? which undoubtedly would be
mutually ad antageous to the city and sev-
eral of the counties. The said road would
secure to a respectable part of the State the
advantages of the Philadelphia market with
considerable convenience. The distance
necessary to be opened would be about
18 or 20 miles, and at present the views
of the legislature in the opening of the
74
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Nescopeck road must be f rostrated unless
this prayer should bo granted, and was de-
signed to have boon carried to the Water
Navigation of the river Lehi, bat as the
commissioner who was appointed in pur-
f nance of the said Act had it then not in
his power to open it to the said communi-
cation, tho views of the legislature in con-
sequence are rendered in some means
abortive, or at least are not attended with
advantages thereby designed. This addi-
tion thereto your petitioners humbly con-
ceive would perfect the intentions which the
wisdom of the honorable legislature meant
to carry into effect. We take the liberty of
mentioning that there rs a company estab-
lished in this plan nominated "The Phila-
delphia Company for Promoting Manufac-
turers and the useful Arts in the Town of
Berwick upon the Susquehanna," the view
of which are to promote the inter-
coo rse of • a weighty part of
the State which they trust will
be advantageous thereto and disadvantage-
ous to none. We therefore wish that you
will so far coincide with this statement of
the importaut subject as to report to council
the propriety of opening this road, and your
petitioners as in duty bound will pray, etc.
Signed by order and on behalf of the
aforesaid company, by
Benj'n Say, President.
Philadelphia, Dec. 4, 1788.
Timothy Pickering, in a letter bearing the
date Philadelphia, April 5, and 7. 1768, to
General Muhlenburg, strongly advocates the
building of this road for the £150 granted
by the legislature for the purpose. The cen-
tennial for the passage of this act falls upon
Saturday, the 29th day of March next. There
is a strong feeling existing to observo the
day, and ihe writer is assured that many
historical papers will be produced and read,
and many ancient documents and relics of
the time brought out. Hazleton is the cen-
tral point on the road, and it is assured that
the Lehigh & Susquenanna Co. will throw
open their gate during the entire observance
of the centennial. It is high time to move
in the matter. A large delegation from
Philadelphia will be invited as well as from
all the leading towns in the country. The
event is certainly an important one, and the
time a very opportune one to look back over
the past history of the region, and compare
it with the present.
Nescopeck.
Hazleton, Dec. 24, 1880.
RECENT DKATEIS.
The Germantown Telegraph fur Nov. 24,
contains an article on Rev. Peter Keyser, a
pioneer preacher in Germantown, born
1766. The article is by Rev. S. F. Hotch-
iss.
BABA.H GOBE WOOD.
This estimable lady, tho widow of John
B. Wood, died in Wilkes-Barre Dec. 21,
1880, aged a 1 years.
Mrs. Wood's maiden name was Sarah
Gore, and she was the youngest of five chil-
dren of John Gore. Her fatner was of the
fifth generation of descent from John Gore,
who emigrated from England to America in
1034, settling in Massachusetts.
She was a niece of tho younger Obadiah
Gore, whe figured conspicuously and honor-
ably in the early Wyoming history. Obadiah
Gore was a member of the first company of
Connecticut adventurers who vainly at-
tempted to settle Wyoming Valley in 1762
and was in the company of 200 whi. h came
again seven years later. His name is in-
timately connected with the use of anthra-
cite coal, he and his father, Obadiah, u-ing
it for blacksmithing in Wilkes-Barre as
early as 1709, nearly forty years before
Jesse Fell discovered that it could be used
as fuel in stoves.
The Gore family was severely stricken by
the Wyoming massacre. Eight members
went into the fight and when the sun went
down upon that bloody field five were killed
and one was wounded. The brothers Silas,
Asa and George were slain, as also the hus-
bands of two of the sisters. The three
brothers who escaped— Obadiah, Daniel and
Samuel— subsequently enlisted in the Con-
tinental army and served throughout the
war, Obadiah as a lieutentant.
The youngest brother (father of the late
Mrs. Wood) was only 14 years of age and
was among the fugitives from the slaughter.
Returning, he settled in Kingston married
Elizabeth, daughter of Gen. Yv'm. Ross, and
died at the age of 73.
Obadiah Gore, as justice of the peace,
united in wedlock, in 1788, Matthias Hol-
lenback and Miss Sarah Hibbard. He was a
reprf seuative from Westmoreland to the
Connecticut Assembly and later he was a
representative in the Pennsylvania Assem-
bly. He took an aggressive part in the Pen-
namite wars, and when the Wyoming settlers
in 1784. believing that they were oppressed
by the Decree of Trenton in favor of the Penn-
sylvania claimants, sought a refuge in the
domain of New York (an account of the pro-
posed exodus being first made public at the
recent celebration of the Lnzorne Centen-
nial), Judge Gore was selected as spokesman
for the settlers, they having united in a peti-
tion to the New York Assembly for a tract of
land on which to settle. Mr. Gore bore the
petition on horeback to Albany, succeeded
in getting the matter to a favorable issue
and returned home to Wyoming by the same
lonely route through the wilderness.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
7u
Mrs. Wood, who was horn in 1805 and
died Dec. 21, 1880, married John B. Wood,
and a Bister married Moses Wood. She is
purvived by a daughter, Martha, wife of
Major Form Espy, of St. Pan!, Minn.; Eliza-
beth, wife of Rev. A. J. VanCieft, of Nor-
wich, N. V.; and Maria E., wife of VV. B.
Mitchell, of this city and by two sons, John
G. and George B.
MARTIN CORYELL.
• A telegram to the Record from Sylvanus
Ay res, Jr., brings the brief announcement
that Martin Coryell died Tuesday, Nov. 30,
at Lambertville, N. J.
Mr. Coryell was for several years a resi-
dent of this city, actively engaged in devel-
oping the resources of Wyoming Valley, and
his family have a host of friunds here who
will be pained to hear of his demise. Death
was due to a pulmonary trouble, the fatal
termination having been hastened by hem-
orrhages. Deceased was born in New Hope,
Bucks Co., Ph., 71 years ago, and was the
son of Lewis Coryell, who was a prominent
Democrat in his day and a warm friend of
Calhoun and other public men of Na-
tional reputation. Mr. Coryell was a civil
and mining engineer by profession and was
identified with numerous important enter-
prises in that line. He was prominent in the
deliberations of the American Institute of
Mining Engineers, ot which he was a valued
member. He was a regular attendant upon
its annual gatherings, in various sections
of the country and was a contributor to its
fund of scientific papers. Mr. Coryell came
to Wilkes-Barre during the early part of the
war haviDg previou ly been engaged in pro-
fessional duties in Hazleton, where he was
engaged in coal mini ti gin partnership with
Ario Pardee. Af er coming here he was in-
strumental in developing coal lands below
Wilkes-Barre and in organizing the War-
rior Run Mining Co., an organization still
in existence with Calvin Pardons as presi-
dent and operated by A. J. Davis & Co.
Some ten year? ago he determined to retire
from active business and selling the hand-
some residence built by him at 15 North
River Street, he removed with his family to
Lamberville, N. J., which had been the home
of the Cory ells for several generations.
There he bought a controlling interest in
the w ter works, enlarged them and the
same have continued under his management
as president, and that of his son Torbert as
superintendent.
Mr. Coryell's training as an engineer
naturally brought him m contact with the
subterranean world and he was recognized
as a skilled and learned geologist. This fact,
together with his natural fondness format-
ters of an antiquarian character, made him
an invaluable member of the Wyoming
Historical and Geological Foeiety, of this
city, of which he was an active member
during his residence here, and a correspond-
ing member ever since.
Mr. Coryell was the assistant engineer in
the construction of the Belvidere Delaware
K.R., of which an ex-superintendent is J. A.
Anderson, who married a sister of Mrs.
Coryell, and lie was inter ested in copper
mining on Lake Superior.
He was married in 18P2 to Myra Coryell,
who survives him, as also two daughters and
a son: Alice, married a Swiss merchant, Elie
Erismanu, their home being in Geneva,
Switzerland. Emma L., married Sylvanus
Ayres, Jr., formerly of this city, now doing
business in New York, their homo being in
Lambertville, as is that of the son, Torbert.
He had three brothers and two sisters.
Elias was educated at West Point and died
young. Miers was for some years in busi-
ness in China. The third brother, Ingham,
is dead, as is a sister Rebecca. Another
sister, Ellen, was twice married, first to a
Mr. Torbert and then to the late Dr. Samuel
Lilly, of Lambertville.
Mr. Coryell was of a retiring disposition,
closely wrapped up in whatever work he had
in hand, but a most genial companion when
the cares of business were thrown aside.
Possessing a fund of information on all
general subjects, well read in the topics of
the day, always bright and cheerful, fond of
entertaining family friends, the Coryell
home was ever the embodiment of genial
hospitality, as many Wilkes-Barreans can
attest.
MBS. SARAH E. ATHERTON.
The entire city was shocked Nov. 30
to hear of the death of Mrs. Sarah E.
Atherton. It was known only to the most
intimate friends of Mrs. Atherton that she
was not in her visual health, and her death
was totally unexpected even by them.
Mrs. Sarah E. Atherton was born October
19. 1823, the daughter of John Perkins, a
well known resident of Wyoming whose
wife was Miss Eunice Mdler, and whose
grandfather was a notable member of the
massacred band of 1778. Mr. Perkins had
six children, rive daughters and one son,
Mrs. Atherton being the oldest. Four of
the family still live. David Perkins, who re-
sides at the old homestead in Wyoming,
Mrs. Reuben Henry, of Jersey City, Mrs, E.
A. Coray, of Exeter, and Mrs. Robert Black,
of Scran-ton. Thomas F. Atherton married
Miss Sarah E. Perkins in 1841, leaving her a
widow in April, 4870. They had uo children.
Mr. Atherton was one of the leading and
wealthiest residents of Wilkes-Barre in his
later ypirs. a man widely nopulir and no-
table for his generous sympathies. He
made a large fortune 83 owner of a country
w
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
store at Wyoming and as one of the first
stockholders of the J>. L. & W. Ml. when
that line war, first projected. Uo was the
founder and first president of tho Second
National Hank, ami a tounderof the Vulcan
Iron Works, hie had scarcely finished his
mansion on West River Street when death
removed him in L870. Mr. Atherton was
the halt" brother of Mrs. Charles A. Miner,
and the uncle of Thomas IfVnry Atherton,
Esq. Miss llattie Atherton, well known in
Wilkes-Barre social and musical circles, is
his niece. The handsome West Liiver Street
estate of Mr. Atherton, by a clause in his
will, goes to his niece and nephew, in the
ratio of one portion to the former and two
to the latter.
Historical Notes.
The Doylestown Democratof Dec. 7, 1886,
contains an article on Mew Britain Home-
steads,— Old Dunlap Farm, Warrington —
and The Larzeleres,
W. H. H. Davis, editor of the Doyiestown
Democrat, cautions the public against a
so-called "Historyof Bucks Uounty," offered
by A. Warner «fc Co.. he claiming it to be an
infringement on his copyright, which has 10
years to run.
The pamphlet written not iong ago by Dr.
James J. Levick, of Philadelphia, on the
early physicians of that city met with a most
favorable reception all over the country. It
has been pleasantly mentioned by many
leading journals in all sections.
Rev. John W. Sanborn, :73, of Albion, N.
Y., read a very interesting paper before the
Anthropological section of the A. A. A. S.
on the "Iroquois League." Being himself
by adoption a member of the Seneca Nation
and a chief among them, the paper was all
tho more valuable as coming from inside
authority, Mr. Sanborn has done some
valuable classical work, and is now about to
publish a hymn book in the Seneca dialect.
— College Aryus. (Wesleyan.)
The November issue of Wide Awake, CD.
Lothrop & Co., Boston) contained an elabo-
rately illustrated article on the Princess
Pocahontas and her husband, John Rolfe.
Among the others is a full page portrait of
Pocahontas and her little son, Thomas
Wolfe. The article maintains the truth of
the saving of Capt. John Smith's life by
Pocahontas. The article is made valuable
by fac similes of portraits of both these his-
toric personages, taken during their life
time.
The Montrose Republican of Dec. G has
an interesting letter descriptive of a trip
through the Mohawk Valley and the historic
events which occurred there. The writer,
"J. C. B." does not believe that Brant was at
the Wyoming massacre, but accepts the view
that he was engage i in raids to the north-
ward. ]',v pronounces Col. John Butler,
Josonh Brant, and Walter Butler, "a diaboli-
cal trio whose footsteps, wherever they went,
whether conjointly or separately, were red
with the blood of innocence and helpless-
ness."
Our domestic fowl sometimes have singu-
larly voracious appi tites. Pearce's "Annals
of Luzerne" mentions the killing of a duck
in Wilkes-Barre, in 1859, (by 11. C. Wilson,
we believe.) which had in its gizzard an awl
with a handle three iuches long. The West
Chester Local News has been shown the con-
tents of a chicken's gizzard that had been
killed there, among which were a few white
Hint stones and 40 brass shells of 22 calibre
that had been exploded in tiring at a mark.
The shells had been much worn by the action
of tho gizzard upon them and the greater
portion had a piece of flint in them where
the bullet had been and the brass partly
closed over them by the milling process they
had undergone, and from their appearance
they must have been in the gizzard for some
time. Thej had not in the least affected the
health of the chicken.
The Great Flood of 1811.
The Allentown News says: "The death
recently at Rockport. Carbon Co., of Adam
Beers, aged 77 years, recalls a sad incident
in the lite of that man. In 1811, the year of
the big freshet, he and his family tended
lock at the Turn Hole, above Mauch Chunk.
The freshrt occurred in January of that year
and Mr. Beers' three eldest children, Will-
liam, aged 8: George, 5, and Eliza, aged 3
years, lost their lives by drowning. Two of
the bodies were never recovered. Mrs.
Be<jrs with her youngest child, a boy of
about live months, in her arms, also had a
narrow escape from a similar fate. In com-
memoration of the boy's miraculous escape
from drowning he was rittinely named
Moses. He is now a practicing physician,
very prominent m his profession,, in New-
eomerstown. O."
Edited and Printed by Indians.
The Historical Society is in receipt of nearly
a year's numbers of a Canadian journal pub-
lished at Hagersville, Out., called The In-
dian, devoted to the aborgines of North
America and especially to the Indians of
Canada. The editor is Chief Kah-ke wa-
quo-na-by, or in English Dr. P. E. Jones.
Among the contained matter is a biographi-
cal sketch of the famous Mohawk chief
Brant. The author disclaims Brant's re-
sponsibility for the Cherry Valley atrocities,
and no mention is made of the Wyoming
slaughter. The journal is a highly interest-
ing one from an ethnological standpoint and
is edited with genuine ability. It contains a
few articles in Ojibwa each week.
•
The Hi leal Record
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO
TTfoe Barty Ibiotor^ of Wyoming ti)allc\>
AND CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY
WITH
NOTES AND QUERIES
Biographical, Antiquarian, Genealogical
o
EDITED BY F. C. JOHNSON, M. D.
Vol. r] January-February 1887 [Nos, 5-6
wilkes-earre, pa.
pve$$ of Z\k W.iUics*3Snvi'C Vxcovb
MDCCCLXXXVII
The Historical Record.
<ZO\\XZ\\X$ Page
LydiaHurlbut Tiffany's Narrative, Hon. H. B. Plumb 76
Sketch o( Bishop Thomas Bowman's family 77
Wyoming Blues, early documents concerning 78
Wilkes-Barre's Resou rc^6 79
Index of Government Publications 79
Plunkett's Expedition, original document concerning, Dr W. H. Eglc 80
Pamphlet relating to Can ton Centre, Conn Si
Col. Dorrance's 82d birthday 81
Valuable Newspaper Relic 03
Pennsylvania Names, poem by Charles W. Foster 83
Letter from I )il'ton Yarin gton 81
William Mill Butler, sken: hoi 84
Was President Polk in Wilkes- Barre 84
Cannibalism among the Indians 85
Price of Coal in 1822 85
Paper C u'rrency in 1822 85
Business Men of Wilkes-Barre in 181S, Dilton Yarington 86
The Local Historian 89
Finding of some Butler Papers 92
Historical Novel by Hon Wm. Bross 93
Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, Annual meeting 94
Pennsylvania Germans, Treatise on 95
A Frontier Hero (Capt. Joseph Solomon,} Charles F. Hill 96
Pioneer Physicians of Wyoming 97
Price of Flour from 17S5 to [828 97
The Minisirik Massacre, John Torrey 98
Friendly Indians at Wyoming in 1777 99
War Prices in Confederate States too
James Bird, some errors cor: ected 100
Notes—
Indian Relics in Luzerne County 97
Miss Emily C. Blackman issues errata 99
The Underground Railway and '"Pap" Jones 95
J F. Meginness to rewrite '"Otzinachson" 89
Quadri -centennial of Discovery of America. 78
Dr. Egle's sketches of Penns\ Ivania Governors 81
Old Sullivan Road.. 82
Reminiscense of the late Judge C. T. Barnum 84
Lack of Historical Interest S6
Lancaster County Historical Society organized 99
Deaths—
M rs. Susan Breese Packard .... 82
Mrs. Dr. James T. Gorman 82
Albert McAlpine 82
Dr. Geo. Firman Horton 89
Joseph K Bogert 90
D. O. Bartlett 92
Charles T. Barnum 79
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Devoted principally to the early history of Wyoming Valley and conti-
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Is prepared to do all kinds of Letter-Press Printing in tl e best manner,
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WILKE5-BARRE, PENN'A.
TLhe tblstcrical 'lecotb
Vol. I.
JANUARY- FEBRUARY, 1887.
Ngs. 5-6.
PIONEER PRIVATIONS.
The Hardships of a Connecticut Family
Who Caine ;o Wyoming in 1 77S. as Told
by one of the Sufferers— Sickness and
Death in Transit Save Them From the
Massacre.
The narrative of Airs. Lydia (Hurlbut)
TiffaDy, daughter of (Deacon) John Hurl-
but, of Hanover, Luzerne County.. Pa. It
was dictated to her grandson, Myron Hurl-
but, of Arkport, N. Y., iu 1855, she being
then eighty ye-rs old. She was born in Gro-
ton, Connecticut, July 10, 1775, and came
with her father's family to Hanover in the
early spring of 1779. She married John
Tiffany in Hanover iu 1798 and removed
to Arkport, where she deceased. She says:
"John Hurlbut, my grandfather, settled in
Groton, Connecticut, My grandmother's
name was Stoddard. I think she wan living
when we moved from Groton to Wyoming.
My mother, Abigail Avery, was born on the
1st of April (old style) 1735, and died in
Pittston (formerly called Lackawanna)
Luzerne County, Pa., Nov. 29, 1805. Father
started to remove from Groton to Wyoming
in the spring of 1778, probably very late in
the spring, or early in June. They moved
with two teams for carrying household fur-
niture, one a wagon drawn by horses and
the other a cart drawn by oxen. Father,
mother and my two sisters rode horse-back.
Sister Catharine carried me most of the way
on the horse with her. We took along cat-
tle, hogs and sheep. I think we crossed
the Hudson River at Newburg. Just after
crossing the Delaware River tather was taken
with the prevailing camp distemper,
and there father and mother remained
to recruit, while the caravan moved slowly
forward under the direction of my brother
John. My sister Abigail was soon taken
with the same disorder, which she endured
with great fortitude, though only six years
old. She died, away from her parents, at
Lackawaxeu. John went back to inform
them, and mother knew from hi- looks that
something dreadful had happened. She
would not permit him to tell what it was
until after she had had a season of prayer
in her closet, and thus was prepared to hear
of the death of her child with composure.
"These misfortunes 'saved them from the
greater misfortune of being in a situation to
be massacred at Wyoming on the Bd of July,
1778. My brother Christopher had come
(fiom Wyoming) to Lackawaxeu to meet
them, and thus he also was providentially
absent from the massacre.
"Father turned aside to Shaw an gunc in the
State of New York, where lie carried oil a
farm for two years, (probably less) and then
moved to Wyoming. Father bought eight
hundred acres of land at Hanover, three
miles above Nanticoke Falls. He built his
first house of logs on the north bank of a
creek, on the west side of trie main road, per-
haps a quarter of a mile from the Surque-
hanna River. There was an alarm of Indians
shortly after we moved there,— within one or
two years. We fled in consequence from our
dwelling and the Indians burned it. Brother
John built a log house on the site of the old
one, that, I think, is now standing. What
furniture could not be removed was con-
cealed. The large mirror and the pewter
dishes were buried. For greater safety we
had moved up to the Stewart place, near the
lower end of Carey town, where there was a
blockhouse and some soldiers. There father
sickened and died. As there was no burying
ground in the neighborhood he was, at his
request, buried on his own farm. The
grave has since been plowed over and its
exact location entirely lost. He was buried
directly back of, that is west of, the house
that was burned, on the same bench of land,
and, say ten rods from the place where the
land begins to descend to the flats, and
beyond the garden.
"My brother, John and Christopher were
elders in the church, (probably at Wilkes-
Bar re.)"'
At the time this was written, 1855, the
house built by her brother John had been
torn down more than twenty years. Her
i tther had bought the farm of John Hollen-
backin 1777, built and occupied the house
in the early spring of 1779, and in April of
the same year was chosen member of the
Connecticut Assembly, together with Col.
N" athau Denison, to meet in Hartford in
May. The Assembly met twice a year, and
he was sent there four times before his death
death in March. 1782. He was born in
1730. The parentheses are mine.
H. B. PlXMB.
78
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
A FAMILY OF PREACHERS.
A Clipping From a Western Paper That.
Suggests Some Interesting Data as to a
Branch of the Jiowmm Family.
[Shuron Springs (Kan.) limes.]
Mrs. Susan B. Bowman, mother of Mrs.
McMichael, Landlady of the Sharon Springs
Hotel, of this town, is now in her 88th year,
and is quite smart for. a woman of her age.
Her father, Thomas Dodson, settled near
Shickshinny, Luzerne County, Pa., about
120 years ago, in the then howlingr wilder-
ness and among wild animals and savage
Indians. Her grandmother was carried off
by the Indians and was kept by them some
four years along the Delaware and Susque-
hanna rivers. Her folks found out where
she was, and with a large posse of armed
men, one dark night, stole in amoncr the
wigwams and captured her after some se-
vere fighting. She had been among the In-
dians so long that she had become accustom-
ed to their ways and could handle the bow
and arrow with accuracy; but on her return
home was overjoyed to be on the little
side-hill farm, instead of the small wig-
wam among the bloody savages. She fiaid
she never expected to see her parents
again. Mrs. Bowman's father's house in
Luzerne County, Pa., was burned twice by
the Indians in mid-day. They saw the
Indians coming, and heard the sounds of
their war whoops, and fled, her mother car-
rying her in her arms many miles. Mrs.
Bowman has all of her faculties except being
a little hard of hearing, but she reads every
day without glasses. She has been a true,
consistent member of the M. E. Church for
more than 70 years, and is an aunt to Bishop
Bowman, of St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Bowman
is the mother of nine children and has out-
lived all of them but two. Tipstaff Charles
M. Bowman, of VYilkes-Barre, Pa., and Mrs.
McMichael, of Sharon Springs, Kan.
[The lady mentioned was Miss Susan Dod-
son, of Town Hill, Luzerne Co., Pa., and
her husband (whoso death occurred at Rock
Island, 111., in 1871) was G^orce Bowman.
The latter was one of 10 children
of Rev. Thomas Bowman. The
latter was born in 1760, in
Backs County, Pa. Married Mary Freas,
1782 Moved to Briar Creek, Columbia Co.,
in 1793. He was a local preacher in the M.
E. Church, and in 1807, toother with his
brother Christopher, was ordained a deacon
by Bishop Asbury at For-ty Fort. He was a
powerful preacher and traveled on horse-
back up and down the Susquehanna for
many years. He died in 1823 at Briar
Creek. Thomas Bowman had 10 children:
Christopher, Jr., b. 1783, d. 1850.
Henry, b. 1785, d. 1805.
John, b. 1786, d. 1813.
Jeese, b. 1788, d. 1880.
Sarah, b. 1700, in. Samuel Millard, d.
about J 830.
We*ley, b. 1703.
George, b. 1705, d. 1871.
Sophia, b. 1707, m. Judge Gearhart, d.
1880.
Susan, b. 1700, m. Rev. Shadrach B. Lay-
cock, d. 1875.
Thomas, b. 1803, d. 1808.
Of these, John, who died near Berwick in
1843, was the father of Rev. Thomas Bow-
man, who rose to distinction in the Metho-
dist Church, being made a bishop in 1872, a
relation which he still holds.
Jesse was the father of our former
townsman, Caleb Franklin Bowman,
Esq., whose death occurred in
Wilkes-Barre in 1873. The latter's widow,
born IsabellaTalliUMii, is still a resident of our
city. Caleb's brother, Gen. Samuel Millard
Bowman, attained distinction in the United
States Army, and died of a paralytic affec-
tion in June, 1885, in Kansas City, at the
age of 70.
Wit hin the last few w eeks t he same affection
which caused the death of Gen. Samuel M.
Bowman and C. F. Bowman, has prostrated
another brother, John Wesley Bowman, at
his home in Nanticoke, his right side being
paralyzed. Mr. Bowman is the ninth child
and the seventh son of Jesse Bowman. He
was born in 1825 and by vocation
is a farmer. In 1872 he married
Mary Victoria Hnqhes. of Tamaqua.
For most of the data used above we are
under obligation to the handsome volume
entitled "The Bowman Family, a Historical
and Memorial Volume, from the earliest tra-
ditions to the present time.'' Published in
lb80 at Harrisburg, for private circulation.
It is from the pen of Rev. Shadrack Laycock
Bowman, professor of systematic theology in
De Pauw University, Ind., and Rev. Jesse
Bowman Young, of Harrisburg. It is a vol-
ume of 258 pages, elaborately illustrated
with phototypes. Among the portraits are
those of the late C. F. Bowman aud his
widow. It is a valuabla contribution to local
history aud to the history of Methodism. —
Editqe.1
At its last annual meeting the American
Historical Society adopted a recommenda-
tion in favor of a due observance in 1802 of
the four hundredth anniversary of the dis-
covery of America by Christopher Columbus.
Their memorial was referred to a commit-
tee f Congress, which has reported in favor
of the commemoration of the event by an
international exhibition of the industries
and pioducts of all nations. The report of
the committee recommends a joint com-
mittee of the Senate and House to prepare
and report a suitable bill.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Tft
THE WYOMING BLUUS.
Some of the Rules of that .\neient military
Company and a Call for an Election of
Officer*.
Ono of Wilkes-Barre'fl earliest military
companies was tho Wyoming Blues, though
just when it was organized nobody knows.
James A. Gordon says they had a quasi or-
ganization as early as 1708. They certainly
existed as early as 1800 as shown by an old
weather-beaten document in the possession
of the Record, it being a printed blank,
filled in with a pen. It reads as follows:
MILITIA ELECTION.
Notice is given to the Volunteer Company
called the Wyoming Blues, attached to the
Second battalion in th* 35th Keeiinent, com-
manded by Lieut. Col. Kansoin. that an election
for a » aptain, Lieutenant and Ensign will be
held at the house of i awrence Myers, E*c/r, in
the township of Kingston, on Thursday, the 19th
day of June, inst , 1800, between the hours of 10
in the forenoon and six in the afternoon, where
thoBe concerned are requested to attend, to
elect by ballot, the said officers.
William Ross.
Brigade Inspector of the
Second Brigade, compos-
ed of the Militia of the
counties of Northumber-
land, Lycoming and Lu-
zerne.
Wilkes-Barre, June 10th 1800.
Tho old paper is handed us by George H.
Butler, Esq., and is one of the batch found a
couple of years ago among the effects of
Zebnlon Butler, son of Col. Z. Butler.
There are also a couple of sheets of paper
pinned with the same pin that fastened them
together 80 years ago, giving what appears
to be the original organization of the
Wyoming Blues, their rules, uniform and
first roster. It is so torn and soiled that
some parts cannot be deciphered. We ap-
pend it, though not vouching for the correct-
ness of the signatures as given:
The undersigned, belonging to the Wyo-
ming Blues, pledge ourselves to comply
with the following rules, to wit:
That we will furnish ourselves with such
uniforms, etc., as shall be agreed on by the
company by the day of
That anyone who in tne least does not
equip and attend agreeably to the rules of
the company. . . .
Zeb. Butler,
George Chahoon,
W. M. Robison.
Samuel Brown,
Calvin Edwards,
Edwin Tracy
Josiah Bennet,
Elijah Adams,
. . . Nutton,
John J. Ward,
Godfrey Ferry,
Charles Miner,
Isaac A. Chapman,
Isaac Bowman,
Lumau Gilbert,
Nehemiah Waters,
James S. Lee,
James Wright,
Lyra Landon,
Jacob . . .
George Hendler,
Jacob Kiethline,
Andrew Vogle, Jesse Crissman,
Conrad Bum mage, Francis Bainow,
George Espie, * Benjamin Perry,
Daniel Downing, John Hannis,
John L. Burtrel, James Foster,
Joseph Shafer, Hugh H. Anderson.
Resolved that no member shall have leave
to withdraw unless by consent of the com-
pany, unless urgency requires it sooner than
the company can meet, and in such case he
siiali have leave of the officers. Passed.
Resolved that the uniform of the company
shall be as it has formerly been, except the
coat, which shall be a short skirt coat or a
coatee, and those who have an uniform at
this time may wear their present coats.
Passed.
Resolved that we will be uniformed at or
before the next general review. Passed.
The uniform shall be,
1, A crowned brimmed black hat . . .
black bear skin, with a white . . . and
red lap.
2, Deep blue coatee, faced and trimmed
with red.
3, White or buff vest.
4, Deep blue pantaloons circled with red.
5, Either boots or black shoe and black
gaiters. Passed.
Death of Ex-Judge Barnum.
About 11 o'clock am., Tuesday, Jan. 11,
Charles T. Barnum, a former associate judge
of this county, died at his residence, on the
shores of Harvey's Lake, after a brief iilnes3
of inflammation of the bowels. For many
years past he had lived a quiet, retired life
at his comfortable home on the Lake. He
was born in Kingston Jan. 8, 1813, and was
therefore a few days past 7-1 years old. In
his early manhood he took an active part in
public and political affairs. He served one
term as county commissioner and was for
some time afterwards commissioners' clerk.
He was elected associate judge and sat on
the bench with the late Judge Conyngham.
He was widely known throughout this and
neighboring counties, and was held in high
esteem by all who knew him. He was a
geuial and kindhearted man and will be
sorely missed by his more intimate friends.
Funeral services will bo held at his home
at the Lake to-day at 10 am., after which the
remains will be removed to the home of his
son, Benjamin F. Barnum, on South Welles
Street, from whence tho interment will be
made on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Another son who survives is Prof. Jame3
Barnum. — Daily Record, January 12.
G. H. R. Plumb, Esq., left recently to
make wrae hasty researches throughout
New England and the Soutti in matters con-
cerning bis "History of the Plumb Family in
America,"
eo
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
WILK I \S-H A K R E'S RESOURCES.
Facts Taken From the Tenth Census Sta-
tistics of Population,
Volume 18, of tho tenth census, treating
of the social statistics of cities, has jost been
received at this office. It bears date of 1886.
Nine pases of the volume are devoted to
Wilkes-Barre, and the article on our city is
illustrated by a diagram showing the distance
and direction of Mew York, Philadelphia,
Harri.^burg, Pittsburg and Buffalo, and by a
map of VVilkes-Barre.
A foot note states that Sheldon Reynolds,
Esq., of Wilkes-Barre, is the author of the
historical sketch, and also transmitted a
large proportion of the detailed information
concerning the then (1880) condition of
the city. It is, however, dae to Mr. Reynolds
to say that the blunders with which the re-
port abounds are not his, but the result of
bad typesetting and worse proof reading.
None of the proofs reached the author. For
instance, our people of Conn ecticnt extrac-
tion should not deal unkindly with Mr. Rey-
nolds because his article says that Wyoming
was first settled in 176*2 by a partj of men
from Cincinnati, Nor should they be misled
by the "secret attempt" of the Susquehanna
Company in 1769 to take possession, for
second attempt is meant. The com-
pletion of the North Branch Canal
in 1813 is, of course, a misprint for 1630.
The river common, instead of having a
maximum width of 8,500 feet, has only 350,
and the river has not washed the rest away,
either, in spite of one or two local alarmists.
The table of population by decades is
badly mixed. The figures should be as fol-
lows: 1820,755; 1830, 1.201; 1840. 1,718:
18 0, 2.723: 1800, 4.253: 1870. 10,174;
1880, 23,339. Apart from these the blun-
ders are mainly examples of the Government
type setters assuming to know more about
grammar than the author.
The latitude is 41 degrees, 14 minutes
nortn; longitude 75 degrees and 50 minutes
west from Greenwich: altitude 511 to 731
feet.
Total valuation, S3, 134. 180: per capita,
§134. Net indebtedness, S95.G97; per cap-
ita, S4 07. Tax per S100, 83.63.
An interesting sketch is given from the
earliest settlement down to 1880 and a de-
scription of the city as it appeared in that
year — its railroad communication, tributary
country, tocography, climate, streets, water
works, public buildings, pleasure grounds,
places of amusement, drainage, cemeteries,
markets, sanitation, infectious diseases,
municipal cleansing, ponce and manufac-
tures. As seven years have elapsed since
these statistics were prepared, and our city
has doubled ia population, it would serve no
good purpose to reprint them now in these
columns, if they could be brought down to
date and published in pamphlet form to-
gether with the historical sketch, they would
form a most valuable document for the
Board of Trade to distribute. 'I hey convey
a vast deal of information that is too valu-
able to be locked up within a public docu-
ment.
The volume is compiled by Col. George E.
Waring, Jr., of Newport H. I.
Index of Government Publications.
A most valuable publication has lately
been issued from the Government printing
office, a copy of which reaches the Record
through the courtesy of Congressman Os-
borne. It is a descriptive catalogue of all
the Govern ment publications of the United
States from 1774 to 1881, a period of 107
years. It i^ a volume of nearly 1,400 pages,
9xll}<< inches, and is compiled by the well
known Washington correspondent, Ben:
irerley Poore, clerk of printing records.
The greater portion of the volume is de-
voted to a list chronologically arranged, of
the many thousand publications, legislative,
executive and judicial, giving each a very
brief summary of a lew lines, fins of itself
would furnish the investigator scant help
in tracing up a subject of finance, political
economy, or other historical matter. But
search is rendered easy by means of a de-
tailed index.
For example, suppose one wants to refer
to the efforts made half a century ago to in-
demnify the people of Wyoming Valley for
losses sustained during the Revolutionary
War, the following interesting references
are given in connection with "Wyoming:"
'•Memorial relative to Wyoming claims.
Citizens of Pennsylvania. Dec. 27 1837.
Ex-Docs. No. 52. 25th Congress, 2d session,
Vol. 2 8pp. 8 vo. In behalf of the sufferers
by invasion of the Wyoming settlement by
the British and Indians during the Revolu-
tionary War: praying for a grant of lands to
the survivors and to the heirs of those that
are dead.
Resolutions relative to claims of Wyoming
sufferers. Pa. Legislature, Apr. 10, 1838.
Ex. Docs. No. 358, 25th Congress, 2d ses-
sion, Vol. 10. In favor of the passage of a
law granling compensation to the sufferers
by the Wyoming massacre during the Revo-
lutionary War.
Report on petition of heirs of the Wyo-
ming victims July 2. 1838. Reports of com-
mittees, >,o. 1032, 25th Congress, 2d ses-
sion, Vol. 4, 2 pp.. octavo. House Revolu-
tionary Claims Committee reports adversely
to allowance of compensation for losses sus-
tained.
Petition relative to Indian depredations.
Citizens of Wyoming, Feb. 18, 1839. Ex-
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
81
Doch. No. 203, 25th Congress, 3d session,
vol. 4, '10 pp., 8 vu. Fraying compensation
for losses and sufferings occasioned by the
attack of the Indians on the town of Wyo-
ming during the Revolutionary \\ ar".
Under dale of March 25, 1630, reference
is made to the recommendation by the
House Revolutionary Claims Committee of
allowance to heirs of Dr. Win. Hooker
Smith, of Wilkes-Barre, for his services as
acting surgeon during the Revolutionarj
War. This petition was taken to Washing-
ton by Dr. Andrew Bedford, who, after the
lapse of 50 years, is alive and well at his
home in Waverly.
The measures taken in regard to Frances
Slocum, "the lost sister of Wyoming," are
as easily traced, as also the measures intro-
duced by our several Representatives in
Congress.
Every event in our Nation's historj can be
traced easily, provided one has access to the
public documents themselves, many of
which can be found in the library of the
Wyoming Historical and Geological Society,
which is at present one of the official de-
positories of all the Government publica-
tions. The index alone affords interesting
reading. Under such heads as "Jefferson
Davis," "Slavery," "Revolutionary War,"
"George Washington,-' "Tariff,*' "Public
Land," and hundreds of other topics one
can find as much to interest as he could by
consulting a cyclopedia.
The work of preparing the volume occu-
pied two years and was performed by Mr.
Poore and 14 assistants. They found and
catalogued 03,060 books, pamphlets and
documents, ransacking the libraries of Con-
gress, of the Senate, of the House, of the
heven Executive Departments, of the De-
partments of Agriculture, the Smithsonian
Institution, of the Coast and Geodetic Sur-
vey and the other scientific surveys, as also
the public, library of Bo.-ton.
The work is not too wieldy for reference
and will greatly facilitate an examination of
the books, pamphlets and documents pub-
lished by or purchased by the Federal Gov-
ernment since its inception, many of which
have been virtually unknown to publicists
and the students of question- to which they
relate. Mr. Poore is to be congratulated
upon the fidelity and thoroughness with
which his work has been done.
On the occasion of the inauguration of
Gov. Beaver, the Harrisburg Telegraph pub-
lished a series of biographical a nicies of
all the Governors of Pennsylvania, from the
fertile pen of Dr. W. ii. Egle. By ihe way,
Dr. Eyle has been busily e? gaged reading
the proof sheets of volume 13 of the fenn-
el lvania Archives.
Col. Plunkett'* Expedition.
Dr. W. II. Egle, of Harrisburg, sends the
Record an interesting document pertaining
to the Plunkett invasion of Wyoming Valley
in 1775. The doctor promises a sketch of
Plunkett for a subs q.uent is.-ue. Wo may
premise the old document by remarking that
Plunkett was sent in 1775 to Wyomiog by
the Pennsylvania Assembly fo effect the
arrest of certain of the Connecticut clai-
mants who were charged with illegal prac-
tices. He accordingly marched on Wyom-
ing with 500 men. At Nanticoke they were
given a warm reception by the Connecticut
settlers, and beaten back with a loss of two
killed and several wounded, the fight accur-
ring on Christmas Day. The expedition
accordingly returned down the river
without t fleeting its object. Plunkett is
mentioned in the bill as Doctor, he having
been a druggist, and perhaps a practioner of
medicine, though as to this Dr. Egle will
doubtless enlighten us in his promised sketch.
The Province of Pennsylvania
To Ca^t. Thomas Gaskin Dr,
For a large Boat Lost in the Ex-
pedition with Doctor William Plun-
ket returning from Wyoming £18 0 0
To Six large Socket polls Lost at
the same time 2 5 0
To 12 Days Service of myself at
3s Od per day 2 5 0
To 12 Days Service of two boatmen
at 2s Od per day 3 0 0
To finding myself and hands pro-
visions 215
December, 1775 £'28 5 0
Interest Due.
Northumberland County ss:
On the 20th day of November Ano Dom.
1769, Before me John Simpson esquire one
of the Judges of the Court of Common
please for the county afores'd, personally
came Thomas Gaskins, who being duly sworu
on the holy Avangilists of Almighty God,
did declare and say that the account as above
stated is just and true; and that he never re-
ceived it nor no part thereof, and further
saith not. Thomas Gaskins.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year
afores'd. Before me, witness my hand and
seal. , ~^— .
J. Simpson. j seal <■
[The foregoing is endorsed, "Thomas
Gaskins' account against the Province of
Pennsylvania" and also "Received a Certifi-
cate No. 1G.710 for twenty-eight pounds five
shillings W. Wilson." Coi. William Wilson,
was then a member of of the Supreme Execu-
tive Council from Northumberland County.
Who was Thomas Gaskins ?]
82
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
A Connecticut Local History.
A 96-page pamphlet recently received by
the Recoiid hours the following title: "His-
torical Sketch uf the Congregational Church
and Parish of * Canton Comer, Com;., form-
erly West Simsbury, organized 1750- Com-
piled by Rev. Frederick Alvord and Miss
Ira R. Gridley. Hartford, 1886." it opens
with a historical sermon pleached by Rev.
Jairus Bart in 1851, the only connected his-
tory of the church np to that time. The
settlement of Simsbury began in 1737, and
the place was constituted a parish in 1750.
The first settled pastor was Rev. Evander
Morrison, 1750, and the second was Rev.
Gideon Mills, 1759; third, Rev. Seth Gage,
1774; fourth, Rev. Jeremiah Hallock, 1785
to 1820. A curious document is &iven,
relative to the pastor's retirement, he sign-
ing a paper discharging: the so-
ciety from any liability as to his
salary, and "I ye said Mr. Morrison do ac-
quit and discharge the society from ail de-
mands from the beginning of the world to
this day and forever after. Received in full
— I say received per me — as witness my
hand." The pamphlet traces the church and
the parish down to the present ana t^ives
brief sketches of such citizens as become
prominent in business or in the professions.
It closes with a historical poem by Miss Ida
R. Gridley, who was a W'esleyan graduate in
the class of 1885 and is now a student of
medicine. The pamphlet is a valuable con-
tribution to Connecticut local annals and is
of interest as well to students of Wyoming
history, some of our pioneers having come
from the region described.
Eighty-Two Tears Old
[Daily Record, Jan. L]
The host of Col. Charles Dorrance's
friends, should they meet him to-day, would
be glad to extend him their hearty congratu-
lations at having reached the ripe age of 82
years. The event will be quietly celebrated
by a family gathering. Col. Dorrance is
hale and hearty and shows hardly a trace of
the paralytic attack which affected him
some time ago. He is therefore in good
trim for enjoying the event and having his
children and grand-children around him
again. The colonel takes pardonable pnae
in coming from the old Connecticut stock
which first peopled this fruitful valley and
who bad first to drivo out a savage f«e and
then seek to maintain an unequal conthct
for title against the power of what was be-
lieved to be oppression on the p-^rt of the
State government. Col. Dorrance is presi-
dent of the association which meets an-
nually at the foot of the monument tocom-
memorate the bloody fight of 1778, and in
which his grandfather, Lt. Col. Geo. Dor-
rance, was so badly wounded that he waft
on the following day killed by his savage
captors.
Col. Charles Dorranee— he gets his title
from having been an officer in the old Wyo-
ming Volunteers — is a libera) patron of
ever> thing which goes to build up Wyoming
Valley and to elucidate its early history. At
the 3d of July gatherings he has a fondness
of making them as impressive as possible,
and always insists on taking to the annual
dinner as his guests the several clergymen
who may be present, and not only so, but he
does the newspaper men the compliment of
including them in the same select circle of
guests.
Col. Dorrance is a son of Benjamin Dor-
rance and a brother of the late lamented and
beloved Rev. John Dorrance, of local fame
in Presbyterian circles. He was born Jan.
4, 1805, and has ever since lived in the an-
cestral home, where he has a model farm
and where he is surrounded by everything
that wealth and a discriminating taste can
simply. In his advancing age he is not
alone, ' but his good wife, whom he
married in 1815, is spared to enjoy
his company. Their home is visited almost
daily by some on*: or other of their children
or grandchildren. His son, B. F. Dorrance,
Esq., lives with his family near the paternal
home and his daughter Annie Buckingham,
wife of Sheldon Reynolds, Esq., lives in
Wilkes-Barre. Of his other sons, J. Ford
Dorrance is practicing law in Meadville,
John is farming in Missouri and Charles.Jr.,
is a clerk in Chicago.
Col. Dorrance has been prominently
identified with locpl affairs. He was. among
many other trusts, a leader in the Luzerne
County Agricultural Society, a jail commis-
sioner and he holds the presidency of the
Wyoming Bank, a position filled by his
father half a century before him.
Col. Dorrance has indeed been favored by
fortune and by health, and now, with his
family around him and with a well-earned
reputation for industry and integrity he
ought to be able to enjoy his 82d birthday
with an unusual degree of pleasure.
The Old Sullivan Road.
The second of a series of articles running
in the Guardian, a Reformed Church pub-
lication printed in Philadelphia, appears in
the December i.^sne of that journal. The
editor— Rev. H. M. Kicff^r. A. M— relates
the story of the massacres at Wyoming and
Cherry Valley in 1778, and the determina-
tion of Washington to avenge these atroci-
ties, the article cio-ing with a brief sketch of
Gen. Sullivan, who was selected to chastise
the savages.
THE MST01UCAL RECORD.
83
A Princeton Lady Dead.
From a recent number of the Princeton
(N. J.) Press we learn of the death of Mrs.
Susan Broese Packard, wife of Prof. Pack-
ard, of Princeton College, and a cousin of
Rev. E. Hazard Snowden, of this valley. Her
maternal grandfather, Rev. Samuel Finley
Snowden, was from 1795 to 1S01 first pastor
of the Presbyterian Church of Princeton.
She was a descendant in t he tit th generation
of Benjamin Fitz Randolph, one of the
prominent men of Princeton in his time.
The connections of her family in different
generations included such names as Finley,
Breese and Bayard, names that Princeton
loves to honor. Her life prior to her mar-
riage had been spent mainly at Orange and
Bloomfield, N. J., the scenes of the former
pastorate of her father, Rev. Joseph S. Gal-
lagher. Prior to entering the ministry her
father spent 20 years in the National service
as assistant astronomer and as an artillery
officer. Mrs. Packard lost an only daughter
four years ago and she gradually declined
from that tune. She will be lovingly re-
membered by such of the students as knew
her.
A Pioneer Physician's Widow Dead.
GOBMAS— In Providence, Jan. 23, 1S87, Mis.
Louis lieechcr Gorman, relict of the late
James T. Gorman, M. 1)., aged 92 years and G
months.
Mrs. Gorman was the relict of the late
James T, Gorman, M. D., one of the pioneer
physicians of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
She was born in Litchfield County, Conn.,
July 29, 179-1, of sturdy New England stock,
her childhood was passed in her native
county, amid surroundings and influences
that tended to the development of sleep,
strong and abiding virtues. In 1816 she
was united in marriage to James JC. Gor-
man, M. D., and in 183(3 removed to Abmg-
ton, where her husband was contemporane-
ous with the late genial and warm-hearted
Dr. Nichols and the venerable and much es-
teemed Dr. Andrew Bedford— now living.
For twenty years she assisted her husband
in the arduous duties of his profession, in-
cident to a wide practice in a new and
sparsely settled region, until his death in
1856, riding with him often night and day
to visit the sick and adtnini-ter to the wants
of the distressed. With a mind keenly sensi-
tive to tiie needs of humanity, with a heart
charitable and ever sympathetic with suffer-
ing, and with an energy that never Magged
nor faltered, her active life abounded in
good deeds. 8he was the mother of the late
Chas. Gorman, M. D., of Pittston: Mrs. I. V.
Lynch, of Waverly, and Mrs. D. C. Stanton,
of Abington. — Scranton Republican.
Half a Century In Old Luzerne.
Albert Mc Alpine, whose death occured at
Pleasant Valley on Jan. 19, was for several
years a resident of Wilkes-Barre Township,
and was well-known to the older portion of
our citizens. He was a native of Winchester,
Connecticut, was born April 23, 1313, and
came to Wilkes-Barre Wii en 20 years of age.
For a time he assisted his brother, Hiram
McAlpine, ii; the management of his factory
at Laurel Run. where the latter had estab-
lished a turning shop in connection with the
business of manufacturing scythe snaths,
hay-forks, wooden measures, etc., on an ex-
tensive scale, by the aid of water power be-
longing to his father-in-law, Hezekiah Par-
sons, father of the present Calvin Parsons,
of the borough of that name.
He removed to what is now known as
Pleasant ValU-y when the whole country was
a wilderness and settled on a tract of wild
land, but farming was found not to be a con-
genial occupation and he soon started the
business of manufacturing powder kegs and
wooden pails by machinery, which bn.-iness
he conducted successfully until his factory
was destroyed by tire, in which he sustained
a heavy loss.
He was thrice married; his first wife
being Mary Ann Wright, daughter of Josiah
Wright, a well-known citizen of Wilkes-
Barre. No issue was left by this marriage,
but he leaves a family of sons and daughters
all grown to man and womanhood: three
sons of the second wife, and two daughters
and one son by his surviving widow. The
deceased was an honest, conscientious citi-
zen, upright and just to all; one who, after
more than halt a century's residence and
business career amongst us. has left to his
children as their chiefest inheritance an un-
sullied reputation.
In speaking of the death of Albert McAl-
pine recently Opt. Calvin Parsons re-
marked that in 38~8 the former's brother,
Hiram, came to Wyoming Valley ou a busi-
ness trip and sold Mr. Parsons' father a
shingle machine, the trip resulting not only
in the sale but in Mr. M.'s falling in love
with his customer's daughter, whom he
married three years later. In 1833 Calvin
Par-ons was on one of his carriage trips
from Wilkes-Barre to Connecticut and while
at New Marlboro he met his brother-in-law,
Albert McAlpine. who rode back to Wyom-
ing Valley with him. Mr. Parsons speaks
in the highest terms of deceased and states
that the friendship formed in that early day
was never dimmed for a moment by the
Lapsing years and that in his death the
community lost an upright and useful citi-
zen.
The funeral of Mr. McAlpine took place at
the Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Valley,
January 21, and a large concourse
84
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
of people Attended. The exercises were con-
ducted by Rev. Dr.N. G. Parke ,assi*ted by the
resident pastors of the borough. Dr. Parke
made h most feeling address and all the peo-
ple were deeply moved, deceased having
been held in the highest esteem by all elapses
of people in Pleasant Valley, Interment
was in the burying ground adjoining the
church. w. J.
Valuable Newspaper Relic.
Dr. Throop, of Scranton, is the owner of
a valuable relic of Pennsylvania journalism
in the shape of a file of the famous Porcu-
pine's Gazette, which, for a time, the great
historian and grammarian, William Cobbett,
made famous. This file dates from June
15, 1797, to Oct. 18, 1797, and is remarkably
well preserved, which latter fact is partly due
to the excellent care the doctor has taken of
the papers, and partly from the fact that the
paper is hand-made and has a "body" which
cannot be found in latter day papers.
The proprietor states in a modest headline
that his paoer "is published every evening
by William Cobbett, opposite Christ's
Church." The news published in the papers
alluded to, consists chiefly of the proceedings
of Congress, which at that time field its ses-
sions in Philadelphia, and letters from a few
European capitals. Among the advertise-
ments is one signed by the publisher offer-
ing a reward of S>500 for the detection of
"any postmaster or deputy" who tampered
with the Gazette while it w< s en route to its
subscribers. Such work seems to have been
prevalent in those days, and Air. Cobbett
stigmatizes it as "dasrardly and as^assin-
like."— 'Republican.
Letter from Mr. Yaringttm.
In a letter to the Record under date of
Carbondale, Jan. 15, Mr. Dilton Yariugton
says:
Enclosed you will find stamps sufficient to
pay for two of your almanacs. I am just
getting up from a severe coin and attack of
rheumatism, that has confined me to the
house more than a month. I improve slow-
ly indeed.
Since writing the above I received the last
week's Rncoim, in which I noticed the death
of Judge Charles T. Barnum. In 1823 Sloan
Hamilton was editor of a paper at 'Jnndaff,
called the DundafT Republican. Charles T.
Barnum was his apprentice. He was a
slender little fellow, v^ry bright and in^e'li
gent, and wa^ much loved and respected by
Mr. Hamilton's family, and everybody else
that became acquainted .vith him. 1 re-
member his parents well, when they lived in
Kingston, when Charles was a little boy, in
1817 and 1818.
The Pennsylvanlan'a Lament.
Many of our readers will remember Char"
les W. Foster, who about 1872 or 1873 came
here from Mauch Chunk and kept a music
store on Market Street inChahoon Hall build-
ing. Vv. Poster, who is a brother of Mrs.
Thorn;, s VV. Brown, of this city, soon after
went into Philadelphia journalism as a
reporter on the Press, becoming managing
editor of the JSvtning News in the centen-
nial year and in ib^3 being called to the
same position on the Call, then starting.
The loss of his wile in 1885, a young writer
known as "Florida Hale," was a blow which
for a time crushed him in body and brain
and he was an invalid for a year. During
last year, however, he accepted a position on
the Omaha World wh*»re he is winning
laurels as a humorist. The Omaha Republi-
can speaks of him as "of a quiet, retiring
dispo-ition, as near a reclnsj as it is possi-
ble for a newspaper writer to become, and of
a thoughtful, serious nature, more given to
philosophy than fun. He takes little pride
in his humorous work, but it has from the
fir.^t been extensively quoted, not only
throughout the United States but in Canada
and England. He proposes, he says, to
stick to it until the public becomes as tired
of it as he is."
The latest we have seen from his pen is the
following, entitled "The Pennsylvanian's
Lament:"
How sweet to my ears are the names of my child
hood,
The names Pennsylv^inians worship for aye.
Aboriginal cognomens heard in the wildwood
When Indians traversed the Minnequa way —
Tnnkhannock, Tamaqua and KockeiiLiock-qna,
Tamanend, Tobyhanna and Tonawan-da,
Meshoppen, Tomensing nnd Catasaw-qua,
1 love yon, I greet you, sweet sounds of PA.
How mountain and meadow, and rill and ravine.
The bro-'d Susquehanna and \\ [.omir.ir's my,
Spring forth in the landscape by memory 8°en —
The Lehigh, the Schuylkill and Lackawan-na,
Lycoming, irihamokin, Monongahe-la,
Kittann ng, Perkasie and Shenando-a,
Towamencin — another, riot spelled the same
way—
I love you, I greet you, sweet sounds of PA.
Th<> rivulet's warble and the cataract's roar.
The names that L cherish wherever 1 Btray—
Manayunk, Oonshohocken. Mbnococy-more,
Nantieoke, Kittatinny. Shickshinny, Hey!
Day !
How heart leaps attention of (atawis-sa,
Mahauoy, Xesquehonintr, how soothing the lay!
Lackawaxen. Shackarnaxen, Perkiomen —
what, pray.
Is sweeter than Mauch Chunk (.Mockchunk so
they say)-
I love you, 1 greet you, sweet sounds of PA.
Illinois has a citizen named Gotobed. He
is in no danger of being a night editor.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
85
WILLIAM MILL BUTLER.
Sketch of a Former Wilkes-Barro Jour-
naliftt Who is Winning His Way to
Funic.
The Rochester correspondent of the Buff-
alo Express, gives the following sketch of
William Mill Butler, a former well-known
journalist of this city:
Few men are better known in this city and
few journalists in this State than William
Mill Butler, who has had a career allotted to
him the like of which probably no one in
his profession has ever experienced. Very
little of his life has ever been made public,
although tho Journalist has had one or two
articles about him. At a very early age Mr.
Butler became fully acquainted with the hard
lot in life awaiting him. He was but little
o\ er eight years eld when he was sent to work
in a coal breaker. At six he had already
been taught by hi3 mother to read German
and English. At twelve he went to work in
the mines. For two years he lived su under-
ground life, gaining an experience which I
understand will be found portrayed in a
novel which he has nearly completed. At
fourteen, in January, 1872, he met the fate
of so many of the workers in tne mines,
being run over and crushed by a loaded car.
After some weeks he recovered and returned
to work in the mines but in a few days
broke down. A relative took him to Canada,
where he was sent to pchool. He was cierk,
bookkeeper and cashier for a time, and be-
gan verse-writing. His contributions
brought him to the notice of Mr. B. H. Pratt,
then city editor of the Scranton Daily Times.
The result was that he entered the employ
of that paper. He conducted the
Wilkes-Barre department of the Scranton
Times for over six months. He became city
editor of the Wilkes-Barre Daily Record, but
overworked himself and again broke down.
In March, 1877, he became local editor of
the Gait, Ont., Reformer, acting as corres-
pondent for the Hamilton, (Ont.) Daily
Spectator, and contributing humorous arti-
cles and verses to Grip, the Canadian
Puck. Returning to Pennsylvania in
June, 1878, ho was placed in charge
of the Berwick Independent. In 1879
he begai the satire Pantaletta, the
authorship of which has never before been
divulged. In that year he became a member
of the staff of the Evening Express in this
city. He has since held various positions
on tho Rochester press. He wrote a hoax
concerning an alleged case in court,
in which the details were given of
the trial and conviction of a >ouug
lady for wearing a high hat at the
theatre and obstructing the view of a
spectator. So circumstantial was the sketch
that it deceived hundreds of people who
flocked to the court house next day to hear
Muifl Viola Wcatherwax sentenced. It caused
a sensation throughout the country. Even
as experienced a journalist as James Foster
Coates, of New York, telegraphed for parti-
culars. And away out in Kansas City two
lawyers got into a dispute over the facts in
the case, winding up with a wager, which
was duly decided by a member of the Roches-
ter bar, who was applied to in writing. For
some months he has given his time mainly
to literary work. Ho is compiling a drama-
tic dictionary, publishes the Pythian Knight,
and is writing a play and a novel.
Was President Polk in AYilkets-Itarre?
The New York Sv.n has an article on an
old gentleman, Elias Folk, who lately died
in Nashville at the age of 80, and whose
claim to distinction rested upon the fa^t
that he was a slave in the Folk family and
was body servant to President Polk. We
clip a portion, though remarking that the
older inhabitants do not recall any such
visit of President Polk to the Wyoming
Valley:
When Eli as was about 12 years old he was
given as a valet to James K. Polk, then a
young man in college, and from that time
till the President died the two were hardly
separated for a week at one time. In those
days all journeys had to be made by
horse conveyance. It was Elias's custom to
drive his master in his carnage to Washing-
ton. The tirst journey was made in 182t3,
when James K. Folk was elected member of
Congress. On one of these trips, after the
Tennessean had become President, a night
was spent in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The next
morning, while Elias was in the stable get-
ting his horses ready, several white men ap-
proached him and asked him if he didn't
know he was free.
They told him that he was in a State where
a man could not hold slaves, and all he had
to do was to leave and his master couldn't
do a thing.
"Do you think I would go back on de
President dat way? No, sir. You don't
know me. I'd sooner die than run off."
Tho President happened to be near and
heard this. He was greatly pleased, and the
next day surprised his faithful valet by
speaking of it, and told him whenever he
wanted his freedom he couid have it. When
his master died Eiias remained with the
family until after the war.
At the January meeting of the Oneida, N.
Y., Historical Society that organization did
our townsman, Hon. E. L. Dana, the honor
of electing him to corresponding member-
ship.
86
THE HISTORICAL RECOUP.
Anthropophagy.
'The Reoobd is in receipt from Charles W.
Darling, corresponding secretary of the
Oneida Historical Society, Utica, N. Y., of
an interesting 47 page pamphlet on "An-
thropophagy, Historic and Prehistoric." Gen.
Darling is an industrious delver in antiquar-
ian matters, and this pamphlet, printed for
private circulation is of particular interest.
In it he traces man-eating, from the earliest
times, even from the Cyclops of the Odyssey,
through many nations down to the latest
known instances of cannibalism, as in ship-
wrecks and other emergencies where life
could be sustained iu no other way, and
among the savages of the African continent.
The author states that the North American
Indians frequently banqueted on human
flesh. The Algouquins were wont to feed on
the dead bodies of their enemies, in the be-
lief that by devouring the flesh and blood of
fallen foes, the eaters became possessed of
their bravery. There also seems to be evi-
dence that the Iroquois were cannibals to a
certain extent, as were the Mohawks, in fact
the literal meaning of "Mohawk1' i> said to
be man-eater. The Ottawas are said to have
devoured an occasional missionary of the
Jesuits, while the Hurons were wont to feed
on the roasted hearts of their prisoners, the
information coming from 17th century
Jesuit fathers who were eye witnesses of
these practices.
Gen. Darling promises another paper, on
Prehistoric Alan, in which he will present
many facts heretofore unpublished. It also
will be privately printed.
Lack of Historical Interest.
The Germantown Telegraph has a corre-
spondent. '"Iron Mask," who writes thus
forcibly of a lack of interest in historical
matters in c:a Bucks County, and as the
remarks are equally applicable in old Lu-
zerne we reprint them:
The session of the Historical Society was
very slirnly attended. A man must become
a little musty before he take* any interest in
local history. It is something like local
geography. All school children know more
about Timbuctoo and many countries of un-
pronouncable names than they do of the
country they live in. Any question of local
geography is a poser to urchins. If you
want to strike a public school dumb, ask it
to find the township the school is situated in,
or to name any considerable number of
townships or me county. I do not know
that it is of the last importance that child-
ren should know the^e things, norno I deem
it fatal to the child if he fails to tell au ex-
amining committee how high Mount Shasta
is, or how far Pekin is from Honolulu. So
it is with local history,. Few people of any
locality know or caro much about it. Young
people do not pay the slightest attention to
it. Hence it will be noticed that the per-
sons who take any active interest in such
matters are old fellows, or young fellows
with abnormal old tastes. It cannot be ex-
pected that a local Historical Society will
attract a large crowd until the younger
strata of society begin to manifest a human
interest in it.
Coal Sixty-Four Years Ago.
| Extract from Harrisburg Chronicle, Dec.2,1822.]
''Stone Coal. It is stated in the Philadel-
phia papers that a large quantity of Lehigh
coal lately arrived at that city which was
selling at S3 40 per ton. The Now York
papers in noticing this, preface it with cheap
fuel, and b.o it is. But at Harrisburg it is
much cheaper, and on the completion of the
Union Canal it will be much cheaper at
Philadelphia likewise. The late freshet
gave an opportunity to our fellow citizens of
Luzerne County to bring down the Susque-
hanna coal, of which they have inexhausti-
ble beds of the same description with the
Lehigh coal— -it sold out of the arks at less
than S4 per ton, and is retailed at S4. 25.
Water communication through to Philadel-
phia being established, would reduce the
price there at least 25 per cent."
Paper Currency of 05 Years Ago.
Following is the sort of ''paper money" we
had in 1822 and for the benefit of their sub-
scribers the newspapers published every
week the amount of discount or depreciation
in the exchangeable value of the banks' bills.
The other States made a worse show than
did Pennsylvania and New York. The next
year Milton rose to 17, Centre, Greensburg
and Brownsville rose to 6 each. Yon will
notice two Canada banks in the New York
list. The figures are taken from the Phila-
delphia Ban}; Note Exchange, Dec. 5, 1822:
State of New York banks — kew York City
banks, par; J. Barker's, no sale: Washington
and Warren, do: Albany, Troy. Mohawkand
ijansingbnrg, 1 cent discount: Newburg,
Catskill, Middle District, Auburn, Utica,
Geneva, Col. at Hudson, Orange County,
Ontario at Utica, one and a half cents dis-
count: Plattsburg, 3 cents: Canada and
Montreal, 5 cents.
Pennsylvania banks— Philadelphia, Har-
risburg, Reading, Farmer's Laur. Easton,
Northampton, Germantown, Montgomery
County, Delaware County, Bucks County,
Chester County, Lancaster, New Hope
Bridge Co., i: Carlisle, York and Chambers-
burg, each. l}4\ Gettysburg and Pittsburg,
each. 2; Milton. 20; Centre, 30; Greensburg,
8; Brownsville, 8. n. b. p.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
8?
BUSINESS MEN OF 1818.
Recollections of Dllton Yarington, of
Curbondale, Giving1 r Directory of
Wilkes- Itarre as it was !u His IJoy.
Jiood Pay 8.
Diltoa Yarington, Esq., of Carboudale,
was a Wilkes-Barrean iu his younger days,
aud though now advanced iu years he is fond
of recalling the past aud of putting his
recollections on naper. Our readers have
only recently been favored with something
from his pen. Nearly 20 years ago he wrote
for the Record, and we take pleasure in re-
printing some of the matter furnished at
that time, for the reason that many of our
readers have never seen it and for another
reason, that very few have access to files,
even the Record oilice having no complete
file. The letter we refer to is dated Carbon-
dale, Dec. 14, 18GS. In commenting on the
list of business men of 1818, he omits him-
self, Wm. S. Ross, Lord Butler, Jr., Charles
Tracy, Washington Ewing, Jacob E. Teetor,
Chester A. Colt and David Connor, as being
mere youths; Noah Wadhams and Jo hua
Green, as not residents of Wilkes-Barre in
1818; Rev. Ard, Hoyt, he having gone as a
missionary among the Indians in 1817. In
his list he includes Abram Pike, "the Indian
slayer," who though not strictly a business
man in 1818, was yet a very important busi-
ness man for his country in the time of her
greatest need. "No man then living had
rendered greater services to his country
during the Indian wars than he. His name is
familiar to all who have read Miner's 'His-
tory of Wyoming.' "
court in 1818.
Thomas Barnside, president jadga, to
August Term, 1818, at which term David
Scott became president judge, Matthias
Hollenback aud Jesse Fell, associates.
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL, MEN.
John P. Arndt, landlord, shipbuilder, etc.
Philip Abbott, farmer.
Abial Abbott, carpenter and joiner.
Nathan Allen, carpenter.
H. C. Anhiser, merchant.
Lloyd Alkins, carpenter.
William Apple, carpenter.
Ziba Bennett, merchant's clerk.
John L. Butler, coal operator.
Burton Butler, farmer.
Lord Butler, merchant, Doal operator, etc.
Steuben Butler, printer.
Chester Butler, lawyer.
Zebulon Butler, farmer.
Pierce Butler, farmer.
Eleazer Blackman, farmer.
John Bettle, cashier of bank.
Samuel D. Bettle, silversmith.
Nathan Barney, farmer.
Andrew Bolles, farmer.
Stephen Bowles, bookkeeper.
Jonathan Bulkeley, sheriff.
Eliphalet A. Bulkeley, clerk and book-
keeper.
Anthony Brower, tailor.
Thomas Brown, farmer.
William Brown, distiller.
Brittania Barnes, merchant.
Aaron Batj , painter.
Moses Beamer, ferryman and laborer.
Isaac Bowman, tanner and currier.
Samuel Bowman, farmer and tanner.
William L. Bowman, tanner and currier.
Gilbert Barnes, carpenter.
Alexander H. Bowman, U. S. Cadet.
Horatio Bowman.
James VV. Bowman, lawyer.
Ebenezer Bowman, lawyer.
Andrew Beaumont, postmaster.
Henry Barrackman, farmer.
Job Barton, carpenter.
William and George Blane, farmers.
Thomas Bartlett, school teacher.
Josiah Brown, butcher.
Milts B. Benedict, hatter.
Gideon Bebeo, ferryman.
William Bolton, carpenter.
Elisha Blackman, cabinet maker.
Oristus Collins, lawyer.
Putnam Catlin, lawyer.
Charles Catlin, lawyer.
George Chahoon, carpenter and joiner.
A. 0. Chahoon, merchant.
Daniel Collings, silversmith.
Mason Crary, doctor.
Edward Coveli, doctor.
Arnold Colt, justice of peace.
Henry Colt, surveyor.
Harris Colt, U. S. soldier.
John Cary, farmer.
Eleazer Carey, justice of peace.
George Clymer, merchant.
William Cox, painter.
John Covert, laborer.
Richard Covert, stage driver.
Joseph H. Chapman,
Edward Chapman,
Isaac A. Chapman, author.
Jacob Cist, merchant.
John Carkhutf, .
Thomas J. Carkhuff, sheriff.
Daniel Colkglazer, school teacher.
Samuel Colnglazer, plasterer.
Hugh and Cornelius Connor, carpenters.
John and Peter Connor, carpenters.
George Denison, lawyer.
Thomas Dyer, lawyer.
James Dickens, Revolutionary soldier.
John and Robert Downer, U S . soldier^.
Anderson and Francis Dana, farmers.
Chester Dana, river pilot.
Jonathan and Batetuau Downing, farmers.
Reuben aod Dauiel Downing, farmers.
Jonathan and David Dale, shoemakers.
Eli and Aaron Downing, farmers.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Josse Downing, farmer.
F. Dnpny, tobacco and confectionery,
•lames Decker, farmer.
Jacob J. Dennis, cabinet maker.
William Dennis, gunsmith.
Thomas Davidge, shoe maker.
John Davis, farmer.
Thomas Dow, farmer.
Joseph Davis, carpenter.
Lewis Du Shong, merchant.
Lonis Delamauon, merchant.
Benj. Drake, blacksmith.
Hiram Eicke, carpenter.
Geo. Eicke, teamster.
John Ewing, court crier.
Thomas, James and Geo. Ely, stage pro-
prietors.
George Evaus, lawyer.
Jesse Fell, associate judge.
Samuel Fell, carpenter.
Edward Fell, blacksmith.
Abel Flynt, tombstone maker.
Jabez Fish, farmer and teamster.
Georgo Graves, laborer.
James Gridley, constable, etc.
Job Gibbs, carpenter.
John Greenawalt, miller and farmer.
Gordon Graves, tailor.
Luman Gilbert, laborer.
Dominick Germain, merchant.
Hugh Gorman, laborer.
Matthias Hollenback, associate judge.
G. M. Hollenback, merchant and banker.
Jonathan Hancock, landlord.
James Hancock, farmer.
Wm. and John Hancock, farmers.
Thomas Hutchins, harness maker.
John Hannis, farmer and teamster.
Joseph Hitchcock, carpenter.
George Hotchkiss, painter.
Jacob Hart, sheriff.
William Hart, .
Abram Hart, shoemaker.
George Haines, county surveyor.
Isaac Hartzell, justice of the peace.
Miller Horton. stage proprietor.
Jessie and Lewis Horton, stage proprietors
Matthias Hoffman, shoemaker.
Oliver Helme, landlord.
James C. Helme, cabinet maker.
Patrick Hepburn, saddler.
Lewis Hepburn, lawyer.
Joseph Huckle, distiller.
Jacob Hulz, hatter.
Lathan W. Jones, doctor.
Joel and Joseph Jones, school teachers.
Amasa Jones, manufacturer.
Jehoida F. Johnson, miller and farmer.
John Jameson, Spring House keeper.
John M. Kienzle. high constable.
Jacob Kilhliue, baker.
Jacob Kyte or Coit, laborer.
Jacob Kntz, tailor.
Caleb Kendall, miuister.
Lewis Ketchain, painter.
Gilbert and Glovor Laird, shoemakers.
Georgo Lane, minister.
James Lukor, shoemaker.
Josiah Levis, surveyor.
Elam Lowry, Loid Butler's teamster.
Henry F. Lamb, druggist.
Peter P. Loon, merchant.
Washington Lee, lawyer.
Charles Minor, printer. [Left about 1816.]
Thomas W. Miner, doctor.
Joshua Miner, stone mason.
John Miller, soxton.
Garrick Mallory, lawyer.
Francis McShaue, cut nail maker.
Shepherd Marble, cut nail maker.
Thomas Morgan, landlord, stage proprie-
tor.
William Miller, laborer.
Joseph McCoy, cashier and poet.
Felix McGaigen, laborer.
Abrara Mock, landlord.
Samuel Maffet, printer.
Simon Monega, laborer.
Thomas Nutting, laborer.
John Ogden,
Thomas B. Overton, lawyer.
Abrara Pike, Indian killer.
Godfrey PVrry, bookkeeper.
Benjamin Perry, transcribing clerk, H.
of R.
Titus Prime, colored,
Thompson Price, cooper.
Nathan Palmer, lawyer.
Thos. Patterson, blacksmith.
Archippus Parrish, landlord.
Geo. Peck, minister.
Thomas Quick,
WTilliam Russell, potter.
William Ross, farmer.
A. H. Reeder, landlord.
Francis Rainow,
David and William Richards, farmers.
Elijah Richards, farmer.
Geo. Root, stage driver.
Philip Rymer, cloth dresser.
Samuel Raub, farmer.
John Raymond laborer.
Joel Rogers, minister.
Peter and Jack Rafferty, laborer.
Jacob Rudolph, shoemaker.
David Ssott. president judge.
Joseph and Zebulon Slocum, blacksmiths.
Jonathan Slocum, farmer.
Zura Smith, druggist.
Hemy and George Sively, farmers.
Benj. St. John, .
Jacob and Joseph Sinton, merchants.
Jacob Sills, farmer.
Abram Tolls, wagon maker.
Conrad Teetor, harness maker.
G. W. Trott. doctor.
Stephen Tuttle, merchant.
Henry Tillbury, farmer and teamster.
Peleg Tracy, gentleman.
Sydney Tracy, farmer.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD
89
Edwin Tracy, harness maker.
Charles Taintor, painter.
Abram Thomas, merchant.
Edmund Taylor, harness maker.
Bariiet UIp', hotter,
M. Van Zeek, doctor.
Andrew Vogle, hatter.
Philip Weeks, tanner.
ISeth Wilson, tailor.
Phineas Waller, farmer and distiller.
Lewis Worrell, potter.
Moses Wood, farmer.
Isaac Williams, basket maker.
Asa C. Whitney, doctor.
Josiah Wright, printer and editor.
Thomas Wright, farmer.
William Wright, school teacher
Joseph Wright, doctor.
Daniel White, wagon maker.
Rosevvell Wells, lawyer.
Ranslaer Wells, blacksmith.
Winthroo Wells, merchant.
Conrad Wickizer, farmer and teamster.
Peter and Luther Yarington, blacksmith.
Henry Young, gunsmith.
An Old Academy Tupil Dead.
Dr. George Firman Horton died in Brad-
ford County, December 20, 1680, having
reached within a few days, the advanced age
of 81 years. He was born 1806, and was
the ninth child of Major John and Deborah
(Terry) Horton. His mother's father, Par-
shall Terry, was one of the first forty to en-
ter Wyoming Valley and settle in Kingston,
and with his family, was in Forty Fort at the
time of the massacre. His mother, at this
time, was 11 years of age. Dr. Horton wa*
born in Terry town, and at the age of 17
(1823) he gratified his thirst for knowledge
by going on foot to Wilkes-Barre, a distance
of sixty miles, where he entered the Wilkes-
Barre Academy, then in charge nf Prof.
Orton. Here he was a classmate of the late
Hendrick B. Wright. Later he received a
scientific education at Van Ransellaer Poly-
technic School, at Troy, of which he was the
oldest living graduate (class of 1827,) at the
time of his death. He read medicine with
Dr. Hayden, of Bramtrim, now Wyoming
County, and in 1829 entered upon a practice
at Terry town, which became large and lab-
orious, achieving a wide reputation as a
skillful physician, In 1870 he published a
genealogy of the Horton family, an elabor-
ate work of some 400 pages. He was an
ardent student of the natural sciences, an in-
fluential temperance and anti-slavery speak-
er, a prominent leader in Presbyterian cir-
cles, and, as a lengthy sketch in the Towanda
Reporter-Journal says, "it is safe to say
that no man in all that region will be more
greatly missed, or was more greatly loved or
more imphcity trusted than Dr. "Horton."
Of thf> several surviving daughters one ia the
wife of iho well-known historian of Brad ord
County, Rev. Dr. David Craft.
The Local Historian.
[North Wales Record..]
Iu reference to the statements made by
local historians, we sometimes hear the
sneer: ''He never gets it right." Very
likely the writer has made some error in
name or circumstance, that call forth such
comment from those unappreciative of the
value of his work. These thoughtless critics,
often malicious as well as heedless, never
consider the vast number of things this same
writer may succeed in getting rignt;
many things, too, that otherwise
would nevor have been preserved at
all. Human testimony is fallible,
and human judgment may be at fault, but
there is not one of these local writers of
history but who honestly endeavors to tell
the truth — as, in fact, they have every mo-
tive to do. Theirs is largely a labor of love,
at best. With laborious pains ancient
records must be searched, old documents
deciphered, journeys must be made, testi-
mony collected from living witnesses, and
concerning many possible suppositions the
possibilities must be balanced. 2s"o
one would bo prompted to these things
except he had innate taste and
talent for vsuch studies. An impor-
tant work for historical literature is being
done by such delvers. They turn aside from
the multitude who are in eager pursuit of
the selfish good of the present, to give their
attention to recording and preserving what
would otherwise pass into oblivion. They
go down into minute details and work in a
humble way in order that the greater writers
of the future may have the material
upon which to build a broader, nob-
ler structure. All these writers of
the present doubtless fail in some particulars,
in errors of date, of name, in omission of
some particulars, in infelicities of style or in
slips of grammar. They must be judged by
the value of their contributions as a whole,
and not by their trilling mistakes. The pens
of those who so glibly criticise will probably
never contribute anything to our historical
or other literature that is worth preserving.
John F. Meginness, editor of the Williams-
port Gazette and Bulletin, is being urged
by many friends to issue a new edition of his
'•History of the West Branch Valley,'' pub-
lished over 30 years ago and now out of
print. Correspondence from any persons
interested in the matter would doubtless
encourage Mr. Meginness to take some de-
finite step.
90
Till-: HISTORICAL ktuCOUt).
POSTMASTER BOGERT DEAD.
After a Painful Illness of Eight WeeKS,
and a ftrave Battling Against Disease,
lie Falls Into 11 is Last Sleep.
Postmaster Bogert died at a quarter past
11, Thursday night, Feb. 3, surrounded by his
family and a few immediate friends. J li -
life passed out painlessly, the pangs of dis-
solution having been averted by reason of a
benumbing of the mental faculties oi nearly
a week's duration. He breathed gently
away without a struggle.
Joseph Kirkendall Bogert was born at
New Columbus, Luzerne County, July l(j,
1845, and was consequently almost 42 years
of age at the time of his death. His parents
were Samuel and Elizabeth Bogert, the
former of whom was a well known citizen of
that part of the county. He died in 1881.
The mother still survives and resides in this
city.
The Bogerts are of Dntch origin and came
to America with the earliest emigrants from
Holland, settling in parts of New York, New
Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many of the stock
and name have achieved distinction in va-
rious professions aod lines of business.
Deceased was tho fifth of nine children,
six boys and three girls, and this is the first
death that has occurred among the number.
The Bogerts were in humble circum-
stances. Joseph attended the public schools
at New Columbus and afterwards entered
the Male and Female Academy, working in
his father's carriage-making shop and on
the farms in the vicinity during the vaca-
tions and paying for part of his tuition in
work about the Academy building.
In 1863 he was Id years of age. On June
23 of that year, he enli-ted and was mus-
tered into the United States service as a
private in the 28th Pennsylvania
militia. This regiment, with others, was
on duty in this State and in Maryland during
the invasion of the north by the Army oi
Northern Virginia, and had a sharp skirmish
with Fitz Hugh Lee's forces not far from
Harrisburg on June 30. The regiment was
mustered out July 27th. He afterwards
re-enlisted, this time as a private in the
United States Signal Corns, and Was muster-
ed in April 4, 1801. He washrst assigned to
duty in the campaign against hostile Indians
in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Indian
Territory, under orders from Headquarters
Army of the Border. Gen. S. R. Curtis com-
manding. He was afterwards in the cam-
paign against Trice from the New
to the Arkansas River on the
Missouri and Arkansas border. There
were engagements at Little Blue and
Big Bine respectively on Oct. 21 and 22, and
later on at many other points on the route.
He was sent to the Department of the North-
west, after tho completion of the campaign
just mentioned, and took part in the Indian
expedition up the Platte and Powder Rivers,
which extended from July 1 to Nov. 4, and
covered over 2,500 miles of previously un-
explored territory, and was attended by
many hardships and dangers. He was finally
mustered out Dec. 9, 18C>.j, at Fort Leaven-
worth, Kansas.
Returning to New Colnmbus he studied
with Rev. Furman, a Baptist minister of the
vicinity, with a view to fitting himself for
the University at Lewisburg, at which latter
institution he soon afterwards completed his
studies, here as at New Columbus, paying in
rare for his tuition by labor about the build-
ing. After his graduation he came to
Wilkes-B^rre and entered the office of Hon.
C. E. Wright as a student at law. He re-
mained here nearly a year, earning his liveli-
hood, meanwhile us a correspondent for the
Associated Press, the Scranton Tones and
other papers. Then he was offered and ac-
cepted a position as assistant clerK in the of-
fice of Geo. go P. R chartis, clerk of the
courts, and soon afterwards was pro-
moted to charge of the office. At the
expiration of Mr. Richards' term, in 1874,
he was appointed, through the infinence of
Jud^e Rhone deputy clerk of the Orphans'
Court, being the first incumbent of that of-
fice. While serving in this capacity he was
nominated by the Democrats for the regis-
tership and at the ensuing election (1875)
was elected by an enormous majority,
several others on the same ticket being de-
feated.
In July. 1876, the publication of the Lu-
zerne Leader, a weekly, was begun in Pitts-
ton by E. A. Niven and C. H. Chamberlin.
In February of the following year it was
removed to Wilkes-Barre, having been pur-
chased by Mr. Bogert, associated with Geo.
B. Kulp, Esq. The publication was con-
tinued in the Corn Exchange Building
until January, 1879, when Robert & Kulp,
(under the name of the Leader Publishing
Co.,) purchased and consolidated with it the
old Luzerne Union, which h;.d been for
many years the Democratic organ of the
county, when its name was changed to Union-
Leader, On Get. 1st, 1879, the publication
of the Daily Union-Leader was commenced
in the old Union building. In 1880. Mr.
Bogert bought but Mr. Knlp's interest and
from then on to the day of his death was
sole publisher and editor. In 1884 the new
building on North Main 8treet was occu-
pied. These incidents and dates show with
what skill, courage and pertinacity Mr. Bo-
gert created, with very limited means, out
of a small weekly the best known Demo-
cratic daily journal in Northeastern Penn-
sylvania.
Mr. Bogert was always active in pol-
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
01
itics. He was twice chairman of
(he Democratic County Commit tee.
lu 1881 he was a candidate for State
Treasurer beforo the Democratic Convention
that finally, after nine ballots, nominated
Orange Noble, of Erie. Daring the ballot-
ing Mr. Bogert was supported bj a large
contingent of delegates from this part of the
State and several times in the progress of the
contest bis success seemed almost assured.
That same evening he was elected by the
convention chairman of the State Commit-
tee, and he got up out of his bed at the hotel
to meet the committee sent to notify him of
the honor. He reluctantly accepted it, but
acquitted himself in the discharge of his
duties in a manner that won golden opinions
from the party managers. He was solicited
to stand for the State Treasurership in 1883
and it is believed that he could have had the
nomination that year, but he resolutely re-
fused the use of his name.
He was a delegate frequently to State Con-
ventions of his party, and was a delegate to
the National Convention of lfcS4, by which
President Cleveland was nominated. He
was appointed postmaster of Wilkes-Barrein
July, 1885 and took possession of the office
Aug. 1st of that year.
A year or so ago he was honored with the
presidency of the State Editorial Associa-
tion. He was one of the presidents of the
local board of trade, was a member of
Masonic Lodge 61 and of several beneficial
organizations, such as the Legion of Honor
and the Heptasophs.
While at Lewisburg he united with the
Baptist Church, but never became a mem-
ber or the church in Wiikes-Barre. though
being one of its financial supporters. His
wife being a communicant in the Episcopal
Church, Mr. Bogert was a sequent attend-
ant upon the services at St. Stephens, and
during his last illness was a recipient of the
ministrations of be v. Henry L. Jones.
At Philadelphia Mr. Bogert married, Dec.
31, 1879, Mary E. Patterson, wno had been
a prominent and successiul teacher
in the Wilkes Barre public schools
and who is a well-known and estim-
able lady. She was at his bedside
during almost every moment of his nearly
eight weeks' confinement to his bed and en-
dured the incident pains and. fatigues with
wonderful fortitude. They have one child
living, a boy of 4 years, their first and only
other one having died almost immediately
after its birth.
The cause of Mr. Bogerfs death was
pyaemia or pus poisoning, originating in an
abscess of the prostrate gland: with this
pneumonia was a temporary complication.
At times it seemed almost certain that his
vigorous constitution would enable him to
throw the deadly poison off, but it was not
to be. It had secured too strong a grip be-
fore discovery, and would have killed an
ordinarily robust man in half the time. He
had in addition to the care of hi- patient
wife and watchfui family, that of skilled'
physicians like Drs. Mayer, Guthrie and
Murphy and a certificated nurse from the
Bloekley Hospital at Philadelphia, it was
not in the power of human skill or
affection to further put off dissolution.
In the brief space permitted after the
midnight hour in which to sum up tho char-
acteristics of a life now ended, words fail in
which to pen the picture. Mr. Bogert was
untiring, brave and generous and had achiev-
ed a degree of worldly success, rare for a
man of his years and with the limited ad-
vantages at his di-posal. Had he lived he
would undoubtedly have become a man
of unusuai mark, not only as a leader in the
business and politics of the community, but
in the ever widening sphere of journalism
and State politics.
Asa politician he was aggressive, but be-
lieving his principles were right he battled
for Democracy, not only against the open
foe of Republican opponents, but against
the advocates of schism within the ranks of
his own party. This being the case, his path
as a politician was not strewn with roses,
but he followed it faithfully to the end, be-
lieving it was the path of duty.
Honest in his dealings with his fellow
men, energetic in the discharge of every
business and social duty, enterprising in the
little world of local journalism, an affection-
ate son, a devoted husband and
a loving father, he has left
a vacant place that will be hard to fill —
indeed, it can never be fully filled.
The Recokd management, with whom his
business and professional relations have al-
ways been of the most friendly character,
lament his loss and beg to add their sym-
pathy to that of the host of friends who will
offer their consolation.
We deem it proper to say. at this juncture,
that a movement is on foot among the
friends of Mr. Bogert to bring about the ap-
pointment of his widow as his sucee-sor m
the postofiice, and that sucn an appoint-
ment would be eminently satisfactory to
the community, without any reference to
political aflliations. Fully competent to dis-
cbarge the duty, Mrs. Bogert, who. we learn,
is not left with very ample provi^on for her
future maintenance, would grace the posi-
tion, and Congressman Lynch could popu-
larize himself in no more thorough way than
by using his influence in accordance with
the movement already mentioned, and
which originated among the veterans of the
Grand Army of the Republic, of which de-
ceased was a comrade.
Under instructions from the Postofiica
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Department, A. R. Brundage, Esq., one of
the late Mr. Bogert's bondsmen, took pos-
session of the office Friday and placed E.
K. Bogert, the chief deputy, in
charjjro of the office as acting
postmaster. Mr. Bogort took the oath be-
fore United States Commissioner Harm,
and the business of the office will proceed as
usual without any interruption.
Death of I). O. Bartlett.
Brief mention was made in the Record
on the day following of the death of Orrin
D. Bartlett, which occurred from sciatic
rheumatism at Towanda, Jan. 20. Deceased
was known in Wilkes-Barre, he having mar-
ried for his second wife, Miss Sarah F.
Tracy, of Wilkes-Barre, who died July 5,
1878.
From the Towanda papers we glean the
following:
On in Daniel Bartlett, son of Daniel and
Jane Scott Bartlett, was born in Berkshire
County, Mass., Aug. 30, 1811. At the age of
10 he came with his parents to Pennsylvania.
Along with Dr. John N. Weston, Mr. M. C.
Mercur, Hon. David Wilmot and others he
organized the parish of Christ Church,
Towanda, Dec. 20, 1841, and was very
active in promoting its interests. He
was baptized Sept. 24, 1843. He re,
ceived the rite of confirmation Nov. 9. 1845-
from Bishop Alonzo Potter. He took hi-
part as a member of the choir, as superins
tendent of the Sunday school or as a teacher
in it, and as one of the Church Wardens
through a course of many years. Very often
did he also act in the capacity of lav reader
in conducting the services in the- absence of
a clergyman.
His name is largely associated with the
business interests of Towanda for a long
period. He was in mercantile life for about
twenty-four years from 1837, and for many
years afterwards was engaged in manufac-
turing. Meantime, from 1841 and up to the
time of his death, he had been in the insur-
ance business.
Deceased was twice married, his first wife
being Miss Mary Weston, daughter of the
late John N. Weston, M. D.,, formerly
sheriff of the county. She died 26 years ago
on 20th of January. Mr. Bartlett, for weeks
prior to his death, entertained a premoni-
tion that he would die on the anniversary of
her death, which proved true. Of this union
all his children were born, of whom three
sons survive him: Rev. Franklin \V. Bart-
lett, now an Episcopal minister, stationed
at Williamstown, Mass.; Dr. Henry Arthur
Bartlett, of Sugar Run, and Charles Graham
Bartlett, and three daughters: Mrs. Mary
F. Macfarlane, Mrs. Harriet A. Tracy, of
this place, and Mrs. Cora E. Eiehelberger,
of Ohio.
A MYSTERIOUS IMCKACE.
Some Old Papers That Were Found by
ilio Wayside Referring to Local A Hairs
at the ISeginning of the Century.
[Reprinted from Record of Nov. 24, 1884.]
A short time ago a bundle of old letters
and other papers v/as picked up by some
one ou the Plymouth road, in the vicinity of
the now Woodward shaft, and as the con-
tents bore the name of Zebulon Butler, they
found their way into the bands of Pierce
and George H. Butler, Esq., of Kingston.
No one knows from whence they camo nor
anything concerning their preservation or
custody since they were in Capt. Butler's
keeping almost three-quarters of a century
ago. These papers have been sent to the
Record office for our inspection, and we
have taken the liberty of making a few ex-
tracts therefrom. The Zebulon Butler men-
tioned was not the Col. Butler of colonial
fame, but his son Zebulon, a grandson of
Rev. Jacob Johnson, the pioneer congrega-
tional preacher of the gospel at Wyoming.
One of the documents is a plan for the
organization of a volunteer military com-
pany to be known * s the Wyoming Blues.
It is very neatly written, but on coarse, un-
ruled paper, and directs a uniform of a
"dark blue short coat or sailor's jacket,
faced and trimmed with scarlet: white waist-
coat and blue pantaloons, edged with scar-
let: black stock and high crowned hat, with
bear skin on the same." The description of
the uniform now iinds its way into print for
the first time. Any person appearing intoxi-
cated on parade was to be fined oO cents for
first offence and for second to be ignomin-
iously expelled. Captain Butler was a strict
disciplinarian and his company is said to
have been one of the best drilled in this part
of the State, It was a particularly aristo-
cratic company for those days, and the Gor-
don papers tell us that Mr. Butler was elected
captain in 1811. The company ceased to ex-
ist in 1814.
There is considerable correspondence be-
tween Capt. Butler and Colonel John Spald-
ing, of Sheshequin, on business topics. In
one from Mr. Spalding, dated Ulster, March
10, 1810, he says, "It is the same old story
— no money in the country, but counterfeit
and that chiefly at Towanda." We don't
like to expose our up river friends, but the
truths of history must be told. In a post-
script he lets out a few family se< rets when
he writes: "We are all well except Mrs.
Spalding and she is grumbling with the old
complaint:" he, however, leaves us in the
dark as to what the old complaint is, but
probably Capt. Butler understood the situa-
tion. In a letter to Capt.
Butler tho same correspondent writes
from Sheshequin, "1 was disap-
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
03
pointed of coining down about iny cloth at
tho taylor's. 1 hoar he has gone from there
and J am fearful lie has taken my cloth, un-
less he has left it with yon." It must have
been a pretty serious undertaking to have a
coat made iu those days when a man had to
travel lrom Sheshequin, 80 miles distant, to
Wilkes Barre to find a competent tailor,
and then, what a disappointment to have him
run away with the cloth and trimmings, and
a military coat at that, probably, as farther
on he directs his "soard and appoletts" to
be sent by Isaac Shepherd, or the post.
Luther Goddard writes in January, 1807,
from Burlington to Mr. Butler, stating that
"Different to my expectations and greatly
to my damage I have never received those
stills that I purchased of you." Probablj
the old Butler still-house on Coal Brook,
near the present Conyngham shaft, was just
then in good running order, and the people
of Wilfces-Barre were in great need of
whisky, so the stills could not be spared.
There is an original warrant issued by
Lord Butler, county treasurer, dated Dec.
13, 1801, for the collection of S172.39X tax
assessed against Roger Searl of Pittston
township, who had oaid a portion, leaving a
balance of S69.48>£ still clue. On the back
of the warrant is the endorsement, "Levied
the within warrant (ui two cows, two oxen
and two horses as the property of said
Searl — so answers Jonathan Hancock, sub-
sheriff, for Benjamin Dorrance, sheriff."
There is aL-o a blank petition to the
Right Worshipful Grand Master Masons of
Pennsylvania, in the usual form of a Master
Mason, asking privilege to be allowed to
pass the master's chair by dispensation.
A list of "vendue notes." probably at the
sale of the Butler personal property after
his death (1810), includes the names of the
principal citizens of Wilkt s-Barre of that
day; such as Archippus Parrish, Wra. Ross,
Harris Colt, John P. Arndc, Samuel Maffet,
Chas. Catlin. Garrick Mallery, Jacob B>bb,
C. Courtright 2d, Parley Lyons, S. Van-
Loon, Job Barton, Seth Wilson, Samuel
Bowman. The names of Hezekiah Parsons,
Harris Jenkins and Thomas, Daniel and
John Davenport appear autong those who
paid their bills and did not gr.-e notes for
the amounts of purchase.
A bill agam-t the Butler estate in favor of
Brown & Lyon shows that the price of farm
produce, especially oats, was well up at that
day (1810;, as there is a charge for fifty
bushels of seed oa s,;?37.T)0,while the price of
horse hire was qnite the reverse^ a charge for
two horses and wagon, 28 daj s' hauling hay
and harvesting, is put down at ^'JS only.
It would appear that "going to mill" was
one of the ordinary items of expense in
housekeeping in those days, as there are
several charges of Lnos going to Wright's
mill, 50 cents each. This same establish-
ment comes down to our own da>, venerablo
with the historic associations of nearly a
centcry— having been established in 1795—
but has for many decades been known by
the present name of tho borough in whicn it
stands — Miner's Mills.
Trouble about election matters seems to
have vexed politi iacs even as early as 1807.
iu a letter to Isaac Cash from ('apt. Butler,
ho says, in speaking of an approaching elec-
tion, "I am confident that people in that
quarter have an idea of holding back to take
advantage of on r splitting, but there is no
probability of there being more than three
or four candidates." What tho ollieo to be
filled was wo are not informed.
A letter duttd Jan. 18, 1811, says ho had
expected his brother Steuben to go into
business with him, but that Steuben had
concluded to remain in the printing trade.
The latte- took charge of the Luzerne Fed-
eralist and was identified with Wilkes-Barre
journalism many .\ears after, he surviving
his half brother Zebulon a period of 67
\ears, his death being quite recent.
A Pennsylvania Historical Novel.
Hon. William Bross, ex-Lieutenant Gov-
ernor of Illinois, has recently completed a
historical novel, the scene of which is locat-
ed on the Wallennaupaek, among the monu-
taius and forests of Pike County, Gov.
Bross was boru and grew to young manhood
at Milford, Pike County. The Presbyterians
of that place have erected a tine brick church
upon the site of the wooden structure in
which his father whs for so long a deacon
that he was through the after years of his
life known as "Deacon Bro>s." The spire
ot the new building is not yet finished, but
when it is it will have in it a 1,200 pound
bell and a tower clock which have been pre-
sented to the society by "the Governor."
Mr. Bross is intensely interested in Wyom-
ing history and came here from
his Chicago home in 1878 to at-
tend the centennial of the msssacre. He is
a most genh'l sentleman and is identified
as a director, trustee or other officer with
many of the educational, historical and re-
ligion- societies of Chicago. He is also
president of the Chicago Tribune Publishing
Co., and as such he has rendered many a
favor to young newspaper men struggling
for position.
Mr. C. F. Hill, of Hazleton, contemplates
writing a history of that region of the Sus-
quehanna l.sing between Berwick and Sun-
bnry. Ho has accumulated a fund of valu-
able information as io early times in that
region, a region intimately associated with
pioneer life in old Wyoming.
94
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
Twenty -ninth Annual Meeting— IotereBt-
jn^ Kf8unii< of Progress Made— Two
Valuable paper* Read.
The Wyoming Historical and Geological
8ociet> hold their annual meeting Feb. 11, at
noon at the society rooms, Judge Dana pre-
hiding. There were present, Judge Dana,
Dr. Ingham, S. Reynolds, Edward Welles,
Kev. H. E. Hay den, W. P. Miner, C. Parsons,
J.W. Hpllenback, G. B. Kulp, II. H. Harvey
G. M. Reynolds, Adj. Wriaht. The annual
election of officers resulted as follows:
President — Hon. E. L. Dana.
Vice Presidents— Dr. C. F. Ingham, Rev.
H. L. Jones, Capt. Calvin Pardons, Hon.
Eckley B. Coxo
Recording Secretary — S. C. Strnthers.
Corresponding Secretary— Sheldon Reyn-
olds.
Librarian — Hon. J. R. Wright.
Assistant Librarian— G. Mortimer Lewis.
Treasurer — A. H. McClintock.
Curators — Dr. C. F. Ingham. Conchology
and Mineralogy; S. Reynolds, Archaeology:
Rev. H. E. Hayden, Numismatics, R. D.
Lacoe, Palaeontology.
Meteorologist — Hon. E. L Dana.
Historiographer— George B. Kulp.
Trustees — Dr. Charles F. Ingham, Edward
P. Darling, Ralph D. Lacoe, Edward Welles,
Hon. Charles A. Miner.
Report was made by Mr. Kulp of the death
of five members, all occurring within three
mouths: Dr. Hodge, Martin Coryell, John
Wroth, Isaac Lea, J. K Bogert.
Judge Dana submitted weather report for
last two months, which we condense as
follows:
December — Lowest temperature, l?th,
two below zero, only date below zero, aver-
age temperature for month, 21^:;' degrees:
total rain fall, l.US inches; snow tall, 9
inches.
January — Lowest temperature, 8th, five
degrees below zero; mercury below zero, 3d,
4th, 8th and 27th; average temperature for
month, 22 degrees; rained 8 days: snowed 7
days; total rainfall, 3.03 inches; depth of
Know, 9 inches.
A balance of £247 was reported in the
treasury.
The following reports were made:
Archaeology — The cabinet has been in-
creased during the year by the addition of
387 arrow and spear points. 3 stone axes, 8
celts, 7 drills, 5 pestles, 2 tomahawks, as
also a flaying knife, a double pitted stone, a
pipe, hammerstone ana gouge. The larger
part were pre-ented by Henry C. Wilson,
they having been found near his home. Mt.
Vernon, 0. Mr. Lung, aud James Crockett
felso contributed valuable spucimens.
Library— During the year there have been
added 432 bound volumes. r>17 pamphlets,
24 broadside sheets, 4 manuscripts and a
largo number of current newspapers and
files. The library now contains 4,010 bound
and about 300 unbound volumes, exclusive of
duplicates, of which there are 2000. The
library has been open each week day from 9
am. to 5:30 pin.
Conchology — Two specimens donated, and
'Jty.i received through exchange.
Mineralogy — Ninety-nine specimens do-
nated.
The following members were elected:
Miss Carrie M. Alexander, Reuben Jay Flick,
Ambrose Reese, Warren Jay Flick, Liddon
Flick.
xVdjonrnmeut was had until 8 pin., at
which time the society reassembled, with
a large audience present, the room being
filled.
Acknowledgment was made of contribu-
tions trom the following donors:
Library— Hon. J. A. Scrauton, Newport
Historical Pub. Co., Telephone, R. Baur d:
Son, Express, News-Dealer, Wyoming Bank.
K. B. Brundage, Y. M. C. A.. Geo. Sheldon,
Middlebury (Vt.J His. Soc, Bureau of Edu-
cation, American Philosophical Soc, Dr. D.
G.Bnnton, Library Co. of Phil., His. cfc Phil.
Soc. of Ohio, Dr. W. H. Egie, Co'. Reynolds,
Sheldon Reynolds, Dr. Henry Phiilips, Jr.,
CajugaCo. His. Soc, American Geograph-
ical Soc, Hon. J. R. Wright, Lackawanna
Institute of History and Science, B.
Reynolds, American Congregational A=s'n,
Minnesota Hi*. Soc, Dr. H. Hakes, Georgia
His. Soc, H. G. Merrill, F.C. Johnson, U. S.
Geological Survey, Iowa His. Soc, H. R.
Deitriek, G. B. Kulo, E. L. Dana, Gen. C.
W. Darling, Recosd. T. H. Atherton, S. C.
Strnthers, People's Bank, A. Hunlock, I. A.
Steams.
Aboriginal implements — S. Reynolds,
James Crockett.
Geological specimens — Edward Welles, F.
Mercur, R. H. Peterson.
Mi>c-llaneons— Capt. O. A. Parsons, Adam
Behee.
A neatly framed pen drawing was present-
ed, which is described by its title: "A partial
map of the towns of Pittston, Plains ana
Wilkes-Barre, -howing the names of neariy
all the settlers in 1837. Drafted from the
memory of R. W. Hinckley, a teacher and
merchant in the valley trom 1837 to 1643.
Drawn by R. P. Hinckley, Bridgeport, Ct.
Presented by R. W. Hinckley, publisher, 165
Chambeis Street. New York City."
Samuel W. jfcVnuy packer was elected a cor-
responding member.
A portrait of Timothy Pickering was pre-
sented by Miss Mary Bowman.
Judge Dana read an interesting annual re-
port as president, showing the progress made
and making numerous suggestions as to the
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
95
future. He recommended branching out
into the natural sciences.
Copt. James P. Dennis read a capital
paper on the list of buildings in the borongh
in J8L1) a* be remembered them. (July a
portion of the paper was read, Oapt. Dennis
being invited to present another installment
later.
Dr. Ingham read an account of the New
Brunswick mineral called albertite, believed
to be ati altered petroleum. The paper was
interesting, but rather technical for the
average lay miud.
The lecture room of the society is so ill
adapted for lectures, having wretched acou-
istio properties and absolutely no ventil-
ation, that few persons could have sat
through the session with much physical com-
fort. Such a room would kill any but a
phenomenally robust organization.
Mr. Knlp presented biographical sketches
of members deceased during the year, men-
tioned above.
The committee appointed to confer with
the directors of the Osterhont Free Library,
relative to quarters in the propose 1 build-
ing, reported to the effect that the Osterhont
directors had decided to utilize the Presby-
terian Church building for from 5 to 10
years, and would be willing that the Histori-
cal Society have the Sunday school addition
for their purposes, should it be suitable. It
is of brick, 35x46 feet, two stories high, the
ground floor seating ~U0 persons, the second
having two rooms, each 22x34 feet in size.
The building has light on three sides and is
comparatively safe as to fire. The commit-
the favored the acceptance of the offer and
were continued with discretionary powers.
The Harrisburg Telegraph for Jan. 29,
contains an interesting sketch on the '"Un-
derground Railway," and of William Ruther-
ford, a notable abolitionist who lived in the
Paxtang Valley. A tribute is also paid to
William (or '"Pap") Jones, of Harrisburg.
The writer, "W. F. R.," thus sneaks of him:
"Pap Jones" was a large; %vell built man, of
pure African descent, and possessed in a
large measure that quality known among
colored men as "Coon sense," which being:
interpreted. means genius, with
a^ large share of cunning superseded.
For many years Mr. Jones was one of the
most efficient men connected with the "Un-
derground Railroad" in thi~ locality. He
had acquired a thorough knowledge of the
routes leading northward and was always
prepared to furnish competent guides. His
large covered wagon, drawn by two horses
and driven by himself in the capacity of rag
merchant, was frequently to be met with on
the roads leadiug towards Wilkes-Barre or
Pottsville.
The Pennsylvania Germans.
A treatise which will be of great intorost
and value to the Pennsylvania Germans of
Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Berks, Dauphin,
Lehigh and other German counties of
Pennsylvania, has just been completed by
Dr. W. J. Hoffman, member of the United
States Ethnological Bureau for scientific
publication.
It is an ethnological and philological his-
tory of the Pennsylvania Germans. The
work embraces a dictionary and grammar
of the language, the customs, supersti_
tions, folk-lore, medical practices, pow.
wowing, etc., of those people. A valuable
linguistic comparison of the Pennsylvania
German dialect of to-day, and the Pfalz
dialect, particularly the Bavarian, is intro-
duced, which shows that the language now
spoken by the Pennsylvania Germans is
identical with the Bavarian dialect a century
and a quarter ago, but somewhat different
from the modern dialect. This is explained
by the fact that the Pennsylania Gorman has
preserved its Bavarian identity as against
English in Pennsylvania, while the Bavarian
dialect has been materially modified by con-
tact with other Teutonic dialects and the
German proper. The work is of greater
scope than has yet been undertaken in
establishing the ethnologic and lin-
guistic identity of that numerous
and influential body of the people of Penn-
sylvania from the time of the Crefeld set-
tlers at Germantown, under Daniel Francis
Pastorius in 1062, down through the
enormous tide of emigration from the
Pfalz provinces which crowded into the
Province of Pennsylvania until the time of
the Revolution. The present dialect of the
descendants of theso early fathers of the
Teutonic people of Pennsylvania shows its
Bavarian origin with an admixture of the
dialects of Baden and Wurtemberg and
words from the Welsh and Irish set-
tlers of the German counties of the
State. Dr. Hoffman during his service as
surgeon in the Franco-Prussian war in the
Seventh army corps, under the famous old
warrior, Steiumetz, and afterwards at the
headquarters of Prince Frederick Charles,
of Bavaria, at Verney, three mites below
Metz, had ample opportunities to make in
vestigations, which he has since followed up,
and which have culminated in his present
work. Special interest will attach to this
work, in view of the rapidity with which, in
later years, Pennsylvania Dutch haa disap-
peared from popular use. — Harrisburg Tele-
graph.
Ob'
THE lIISTOlilCAL hKCOVX
A FRONTIER lilvKO
Who was a Prisoner Ainongf Hie Indiana
two Years— His Services Recognized by
the * eKislature a Quarter of a Century
Later.
Editor Recoup: Allow me to present the
following as a memorial of a brave? and true
soldier of the Revolutionary War, Capt.
Joseph Solomon or (Salmon), of Col. James
Murray's Regiment of Northumberland
County Militia. It is not known whether
Capt. Solomon was related to John Solomon,
a spldier in the French and Indian War, or
not. Of his parentage little seems to be
known. However his memory richly de-
server this humble notice. The following
letter from Gen. James Potter to President
Reed bearing d ate Sunbury, April 12th, 1781,
will bear publishing.
Sir: I Arived at My house on Sunday last
and on Monday I cam to this place and since
I have maid a Visite to difrent parts of the
frunteers who I lind in great distreess. Num-
bers of them flying for there lives at this
early Seasone of the year. The enemy has
Maid five different Strookes on our frunteers
since the 22d of March. On the Sixth instant
they fierred on an old Man, his Son and
daughter, the Boy wos shott ded and the
indians Imedatly Maid a prisnr of the
Young woman The old Man Had a stick in
Hand with which he nobley defended him-
self against one of the Indians who had a
torn hack and Maid the fellow drope his
Wapon. Col Kelley with a few of his Nigh-
bours wos in a house at a little distance.
On hearing the enemy guns go off they Run
to the pleace and obledged the enemy to
Retreat leving the Young Womou there
prisnr and our brave old Irishman and his
stick behind them and all there Blankets.
They outrun Col Kelly and his party and got
off as Usile
On Sabathday last the eight instant, in the
evening they come to the House of one
Durrues about five miles from this pieaco
lrumedatly on there entrim: the house they
Sholt Daun and Tooke one Captain Solomon
a prisnr. there wos four Weemm and an
number of Children in the House They
plundered the House of everything that wor
Valibel. But whot is surprising, they went
off with Captain Solomon and Unjre X'luuder
leving behind the Weemm and Children.
This hapned leat in the evening the
next day they were pursued but not
come up with. Captain Robinson has
got forty men enlisted tor the war, but many
of them are so naked for wont of all kinds
of Clothing that they cannot do Duty. They
have not a blanket amon^them ail. I know
it is not in the power of Council to provide
for them at present, but I hope they will as
soon as poable. There is no appeerance of
Cumberlond Militia Coming to this County
as \et. on my Coming to thin County I sent
off to hasten there March. J most sincerely
wished for Assembly to have been with me
in my disagreeable visit along the much
disstressed Frunteers. I hare not Language
to express there distressess and therefore
will not atemt it.
I have the Honour to be
with the greatest esteem
Your Excellency's Most
Humble eevont
J as. Potter.
Capt. Robinson's de-titute company re-
ferred to in the above letter is the same com-
pany of which Moses Van Campen was a
first lieutenant. This is the brief history
of how Capt. Solomon was taken
prisoner by the Indians on the
8th day of April, 1781, at the house of one
Dormer on a quiet Sunday evening near
Sunbury. He was taken to York State or
Canada and was gone for two years. The
history of his captivity and return would no
donbt make an interesting chapter in the
history of the Revolutionary VVar. It is
hoped that such a history may yet be pro-
duced and published as a tribute of respect
to the memory of this one of the heroes
whose memories should never die out
It is a relief to notice that the Legislature
of the State of Pennsylvania did itself the
honor to pass the following:
Where s, It appears that Joseph Salmon,
late a captain in Colonel James Munay's
Kegiment. of Northumberland County
militia, while in the service of his country
daring the Revolutionary War. was taken
prisoner by the Indians and detained in
captivity upwards of two years, during
which time his then infant family solely
dependent on his labor for support, was lett
destitute, and himself treated with all the
rigour incident to savage warfare, and it
also appearing that he hath not received
from his country any compensation for his
services and sufferings.
Therefore, be it enacted by the Senate
and House of Representatives of the Com-
monwealth of Pennsylvania in General As-
sembly met, and it i- hereby enacted by the
authority of the same, that there is granted
to the same Jose ph Salmon a tract of dona-
tion hind to contain three hundred acres, for
which a patent shrill be made to him, his
heirs or a?signsin the usual manner.
Simon Snyder,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Approved the fourth day of March, one
thousand eight hundred and seven.
Thomas McKean.
The sturdy old captain was married to a
Miss Ann \\ heeler, after whose family name
Fort Wheeler, a fort on the Fi-hing Creek,
just above the town of Light Street, in
THE HIS10R1CAL RECORD.
07
Columbia County, Pa., named Fort Wheeler,
was built by Moses Van Cainpen, iu the
month of April, 1778. Near this place Cap-
tain Solomon lived aud died on what is known
as the William Warden farm, between the
towns of Espy and Light Street, and he and
his wife lie buried near the place. The Cap-
tain left nine children, Isaiah, John, George,
William 1st, William 2d, Jane, Margarette,
Sarah and Phebe. These sons and daugh-
ters are scattered far and wide.
Isaiah, one of the sons, married Sarah
McMurtrie aud settled in Briar Creek Town-
ship, near Berwick, and reared a family of
thirteen children: James M., Isaiah Wheeler,
Clark, William, Abram M., Joseph P., John
S., George Ellis, Elizabeth Ann, Maria Char-
lotte, Phebe and Sarah Jane.
Isaiah Salmon was widely and favorably
known as an intelligent and inllnential citi-
zen, and died honored and lamented by the
community in which he lived.
Two of his sons, James M., and Clark are
ministers of the gospel and are known as
men of eminence in their calling.
Joseph P. Salmon, a namesake of his il-
lustrious grandfather, Captain Solomon.
lives in Hazleton, Pa., where he is well and
favorably known, He came to Hazleton in
his boyhood, and since his advent here has
earned and received the confidence of the
community, and has filled many positions
of trust and honor. c. f. h.
Hazleton, Pa., Feb. 3, 1887.
prevented from practicing his profession. —
Wilkes Havre Correspondent of Scranton
Republican.
FLOUK FOR 4 4 YEARS.
Pioneer Physicians of Wyoming.
The Luzerne County Medical Society held
its annual meeting and banquet Jan. 5, at
the Wyoming Valley Hotel. Dr. Howell,
vice president, presided at the meeting.
After the transaction of routine business,
Dr. Fred. C. Johnson, of the Recoup, read a
paper upon the Pioneers of Medicine in this
Valley. It was a very interesting sketch,
though the reader claimed that his paper was
really but a bundle of fragments of bio-
graphical gleanings, he having had no time
to compile the same into such sequential
form as he might have done and would
have done, had he been given more
time. The morsels of personal
reminiscences in the lives of the
early doctors were more tha. interesting.
He touched upon none of the doctors later
than 1825. Dr. Johnson gave Dr. Hollister,
of Providence, credit for much ot the ma-
terial that he presented last evening, and
paid that antiquarian and genial medical
philosopher a warm tribute of praises and
urged the purchase of his valuable collection
of aboriginal and other curiosities as the
nucleus of a museum: this as a recognition
of Dr. Hollister's zeal in its collection and
as a financial help to him now that he is
Price Per Hundred in Philadelphia from
1785 to 1X28.
The following table of tne price of flour
per hundred in Philadelphia is the average
for eacli year, and now taken from an old
Salem paper in possession of Salem County
Historical Society dated March. 18, 182,9:
1785 $ 5 87 1807 $ 7 17
1786 5(55 1808 5 GO
1787 5 25 1809 6 0L
1788 481 1810 937
1789 520 1811 995
1700 5 50 1812 9 83
1701 5 22 1813 K92
1702 525 1814 8 60
1793 5 00 18)5 K71
1794 000 1816 0 78
1705 1060 1817 1160
1790 12 50 1818 0 00
3707 801 1819 711
1708 820 1820 -172
1799 000 1821 572
1800 986 1822 5 58
180L 1040 1823 0 82
1802 690 IhM 502
1803 073 1825 5 10
1801 8 22 1820 4 65
1805 0 70 1827 5 23
1806 7 30 1828 5 00
Aggregate average for forty-four years
$17.42. The circumstnnces which have
produced the principal fluctuations are given
as follows: From 1794 to 1708 scarcity in
France and England: from 1708 to 1800,
export to Englaud: 1800 to 2801, scarcity
in England; 1804-5 scarcity in Spain: 1808-
9, long embargo; 1*09-10-11, Pemnsular
war; 1812-13-14, war with England; 1310-
17, scarcity in England. To ihis we might
add the cause of an advance during the lat-
ter part of 1828, viz., senrcity in Europe,
particularly in England. The state ot the
currency in 1814-15 had an effect on prices.
The highest yearly average was that of 1796,
viz., S12.50, and the lowest price that of
1820, viz., 84.05 The lowest price was in
March. 1821, $3.37. The highest price was
in March, 1790, $.15. — Salem South Jersey-
man.
Indian Relics.
James Crockett, of Ro-^s Township, has
sent the Wyoming Historical and Geologi-
cal Society some valuable aboriginal speci-
mens. They comprise a grooved a.ce,
plowed up on the farm of Miner Goss, in
Fairmount Township, white arrow and
drill; grooved tomahawk, from Crockett
farm; a stone gouge from George Hess'
farm, Fishing Creek, and a lot of Hint chips.
98
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
THE MINISINK MA SA.CKE.
A Honesdale Writer Gives Some Interest-
ing Facta and Sets Historian Chapman
Straight on One Point.
[John Torrey in Honesdale Citizen, Fob. 10.]
The notice of the recent death of the widow
of the late Judge Manning, of Bethany,
brings to remembrance some interesting his-
toric events resulting in the death of one of
her ancestors, in his country's service. To
many of your readers the full history of the
affair is not easily accessible, and to such a
brief 'statement of the facts will be interest-
ing.
Mrs. Manning was a daughter of David
Wilder and wife, and her mother was the
daughter of Paul Tyler, and a granddaughter
of Captain Bezaleel Tyler, who was one of
the pioneer settlers of the valley of the Dela-
ware at Cochecton.
The early settlers then wete much exposed
to the attacks by the Northern Indians, and
several times they were obliged to flee to
neighboring settlements for safety.
On learning of the Wyoming massacre by
the Indians in 1778 the settlers at Paupack,
and most of those at Cochecton. deemed it
unsafe to remain at their homes and fled
with their families to the settled Darts of
Orango County, New York, for safety.
While they were thus residing in Orange
County as refugees, a band of Indians and
Tones from the North, led by Col. Brandt,
came into the Delaware Valley, and daring
the night of July 10, 1779, made an attack
upon the settlement at the upper end of the
Minisink flats, near Port Jervis. seized such
property as they could take with them, de-
stroyed such as they could not take and com-
pelled the inhabitants to flee for their lives.
Information of the raid svas immediately
gent by a messenger to Goshen, and the
militia' of that region, together with such
volunteers as could be obtained, were ordered
by Col. Tusten to rendezvous at Minisink
(now Port Jervis) early the following morn-
ing. July 21.
Capt. Bezaleel Tyler (grandfather of Mrs.
Wilder) and Moses Thomas, Sen., ( father ot
Judge Thomas) from Cochecton, and Moses
Kellam, Sen., from Paupack settlement, all
of whom were there as refugees, volunteered
to join them.
f3n the morning of July 21st, the officers
under Col. Tusten, and as large a force as
could be mustered under so short a notice,
met him at the place appointed, and found
that the enemy had left, going up the Dela-
ware with their plunder. After discussing
the situation it was decided to pursue them,
and they took up the line of march and
proceeded some 17 miles that day. and en-
camped.
In the morning, Col. Hathorn, of War-
wick, overtook them v/ith a few more men,
and being the senior oflicer, took the com-
mand.
They advanced to Half- Way-Brook, now
Barryville, and found the Indians had there
encamped the nighi before. Here, as Capt.
Tyler was known to bo familiar with the
geographj of the country over which they
• were now to proceed, he was selected to take
command of a small scouting party, to go
forward and reconnoitre the movements of
the enemy, and suggest the most favorable
ground for attacking them.
He and his party had proceeded but a short
distance in advance, when he was singled
out and killed, probably by some Tory who
recognized him, and realized the danger to
those who were fleeing, from having a man
so familiar with the route, acting as guide
to their pursuers.
About 9 o'clock they came in sight of the
Indians, three-quarters of a mile distant,
advancing leisurely up the river, and Col.
Hathorn marched his men over the hill in-
tending to reach the ford at the mouth of
the Laokawaxen in advance of the Indians.
Col. Brandt discovered his movement and
made a counter move so as to get in the rear
of his pursuers, and chose his time and
place for attacking them, and on the hill,
about a mile east of the mouth of the Lacka-
waxen, he succeeded in so cutting off one-
third of Col. Hathorn's forces that they
could not again unite, aud then on ground
chosen by Brandt, a most desperate battle
was fought, and Col. Hathorn's forces dis-
astrously defeated, and more than forty of
them killed and lef : on the battlefield.
Among those so killed, was Moses Thomas.
Sen., who had at Cochecton, been a neigh-
bor of Captain Tyler.
The bones of the men fins slain, were
left to bleach in the forest, until 1822, when
patriotic citizens of Orango county, united
to collect them, and have ihem properly in-
terred. And on the forty-third anniversary
of the battle. July 22, 1822, the bones wore
so disposed of beneath an appropriate
monument then erected in Goshen, in honor
of those brave but unfortunate men.
This battle has been called the "Battle of
Minisink, or 'Minisink Massacre,' " but the
site where it took place, was nearly 20 miles
distance from that part of the Delaware
valley, which the Indians called Minisink.
But another more important and mislead-
ing error is the statement in Chapman's
History of Wyoming, in incidentally allud-
iug to this battle, that the men who were
there killed by the Indians, were Dart of a
company of Pennsylvania militia who had
been .-out to the Lackawaxen to protect the
settlers.
At that date, July 22, 1779, all the organ-
ized militia of Northeastern Pennsylvania
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
on
have been ^usposod to bo massed at Wyom-
ing! preparatory to moving up the Susque-
hanna under Gen. Sullivan that week to at-
tack the Six Nations of Indians in the Che-
mung cOunffy, and if so, there would have
been no company of Penn'a militia to spare
to be sent to the Lackawaxen if needed.
But historians very generally agree in tell-
ing us that immediately after the Wyoming
massacre in 1778, the settlers at Pan pack on
the Lackawaxeu, and at Cochectou all fled
for safety, so that there were few, if any,
settlers thero needing military protection.
The evidence is now incontrovertible that
the patriotic men who were in that Minisink
battle, were from Orange County, New
York, including a few refugees from Penn-
sylvania. J. t.
FltlKNDLl' INDIANS AT WYOMING.
On Their Way to See Gen. Washington at
Philadelphia— Their Dread of Small-
Pox.
In 1777 the settlements in Westmoreland
were infected with small-pox and the disease
was activelj combated by the settlers. Pest
houses ware established at points off from
the traveled roads and all cases of the disease
were compelled to be convened thither for
treatment. The Indians had a most intense
dread of the infection, for then as now, they
were its easy victims. We have before us
volume 1 of the new series of Pennsylvania
Archives, edited by Hon. John Blair Linn
and Dr. W. H. Egl e. So far as we have seen
there is no reference in the local histories to
the presence of ihe Indians referred to in
the appended letter from Col. Dem-on to
the committee of Easton, to whose friendly
attentions the Indians were introduced:
Westmoreland. Jan* y 9th, 1777.
Gentlemen: The Bearers hereof are Part
of a Large Body of Indians belonging to the
six Nations who have Expressed their friend-
ship for the United States of America, at a
Counsell held in this Place this day; they
als Inform us they are npon a Journey to
Philadelphia to speak with the Congress, (if
returned,) Otherways intended to see Gen-
eral Washington. They have Desired us to
write to you it beg that they may be Pointed
to Places to Escape the Small Pox and other
Pestilential Disorders, I if such there be
among you.) This is wrote upon their Par-
ticular Desire, to give you Information of
the approach of the Body of Indians, which
Con«i^ts of about two Hundred Men, women
& Children; and they further desired us to
request of you your Influence, that their Pro-
posed treaty might be at Eastown if it be
possible at this time, for fear of the Dis-
orders, &c, Mentioned a* above; we Doubt
not but you will Pay due attention to these
People at this time when their favours will
be more Eligible than their Frowns.
Wo beg leave, Gent'n, to Subscribe
Ourselves yonr friends & very
Humble Servants,
Nathan Denison,
William Judd,
Christ. Avery.
To Eastown Committee.
That the Indiaus were cordially received
is shown by the following memorandum,
headed
"THEEXPENOE OF THE INGENS."
TolGall. of spiritts £2 4 0
To 1 Botlel 0 10
To 2 wine Decanters 0 12 6
To 18 Gall, of Sider, 2-8, 2 80
Toll Gall, of sider, J. C, 8-0, 4 80
To 7 Boles Tody 1 ] 0
To 4 Dobel Boles Do., 14 0
To 1 :> Nithes aud Days hay for one horse 2 5 0
11 Do., 1 13 0
8 Do., 1 4 0
7 Do., 110
£18 1 6
•2 Nit he '8 hay, 0 40
£18 5 6
Rec'd Feb'y 18th, 1777. of Jas. Dean, the
within Acc't in full, for Isaac Sidman.
HENRY FULLERT.
A recent Wyoming County paper thus
states: "Miss Emily C. Blackman wishes
us to state that the errata of her History of
Susquehanna County are about to be publish-
ed and furnished on application to all her
subscribers, gratis, except when stamp for
mailing is necessary. All who have detected
mistakes will please give her notice at once,
or refrain from criticism hereafter."
Lancaster County has organized a histori-
cal society and it has done so none too soon.
It has been well nigh two hundred years
since the nrst white settlements were made
within the borders of what is now Lancaster
County, and more than a century and a half
since the erection of the county itself.
Following are the officers chosen for the
permanent organization: President, Rev.
J. H. Dubbs, D. D.i Vice-Presidents, Hon.
J. P. Wickersham, Samuel Evans; Record-
ing Secretary, A. F. Hostetter: Correspond-
ing Secretary, W. W. Griest; Librarian, S.
H. Znhm; Treasurer. S. P. Eaby: Executive
Committee. F. R. DiffenderlTer, J. B. Hip-
pie, R. M. Reilly, C. T. Steigerwalt, C. H.
Stubbs. H. A. Brickenstein, Rev. J. Max
Hark, S. C. Slaymaker, P. C. Hiller, W. U.
Hensel.
100
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
WAR PRICES.
Their Rise in the Confederate States— Curi-
ous Comparative Shelving
W. H. Beard, of Orange Grove, Miss.,
sends to tho Louisville, Ky., Courier-Jownal
a clipping from a Mobile paper, published
near tho close of the war, containing a com-
parative table of prices for the years 1802,
'63, '04 and '65. As published below it is
an interesting and instructive bit of finan-
cial history:
CONFEDERATE 51ABKET REPORTS.
Articles Jan" Jan ' Jhu" Jan'<
Articles. 18(..2> lg63 186;t lg(J5>
Flour, extra, bbl . .81 1 25 £57 00 S100 -10 $300 00
Flour, tine, bbl.. 8 00 50 00 100 10 200 00
Cornmeal, bu.... 100 3 00 7 00
Corn, Back, bu.. . . 88 3 00 4 50 8 50
Coffee, Rio, lb ... . 00 3 25 11 50 50 00
Sugar, brown.lb.. 7 35 3 00 12 00
Sugar, refined, lb. 23 100 4 00
Batter, country,lb 50 1 00 3 00 8 00
Kgg6, doz 20 J 00 2 00
Bacon, lb 21 30 3 25 3 75
Lard, lb 19 53 3 00 3 00
Fresh beef, lb.... 8 15 85 125
Fresh pork, lb ... . 14 30 1 95 1 50
Coal, ton 15oo 150 00 200 00
Candles, sperm, lb 75 2 00 12 00
Salt, .Liverpool,
sack 1000 3800
Soap, hard, lb.... 12 50 80 2 50
Tallow, lb lb 80 1 50 5 00
Potatoes.sweetjbu 1 00 2 50 5 50 12 oo
Potatoes Irish,bbl 10 o » 60 oO 80 00
Onions, bb» 8 O'l 100 25
Chickens, doz.... 3 50 7 00 25 00 75 00
Turkeis, doz 10 00 30 00 75 00 100 44
Mice, lb 7 12 22 2 00
Cow peas, bu 1 00 2 75 6 oo 14 00
Molasses, N. 0.,
^al 50 2 50 14 00 20 f0
Apples, dried, lb.. 7 28 60 2 oo
Peaches, dried, lb 17 38 00 3 00
Beeswax, lb 30 00 175 5 0o
Wheat, bu 1 50 7 CO 28 00
Wood, oak, cord.. 3 50 15 CO 30 Oo 70 00
James Bird.
Some one out in Ohio appears to have been
writing for a paper there relative to James
Bird, tho hero of Lake Erie, as we learn
from the following letter in the Xorfolk Re-
flector, from C. J. Baldwin, a former resi-
dent of Luzerne County:
Messrs. Editors: Your correspondent.
H. Buckingham, in his interesting letter
concerning James Bird, is mistaken as to the
authorship of the son?. It was not written
by Charles Dorrance, as he claims, but by
Charles Miner. My information is positive
and direct. I am a native of Luzerne
County, Pa., where I resided up to within
twenty years. Am familiar with the history
of that county and its people, pas! and pres-
ent. Have met Mr. Miner, and two years
ago was at his old home, now occupied by
his son,\Ym. Penn,who for many year.s pub-
lished the Wilkes-Barre Record or the
Times, to whose columns it has been my
privilege in times past to contribute articles
for publication.
Charles Miner published at Wilkes-Barre
from 1801 to 1818, a paper called the
(ilea no- which, it is reputed, was ably edited.
Was afterwards elected to Congress. Sub-
sequently devoted Ins time mainly to litera-
ture. Was the author of a work entitled the
History of Wyoming. Col. Charles Dorrance,
to whom Mr. Buckingham refers, is yet liv-
ing, has a princely income from coal lauds,
and his age is now S2 years. His military
title comes from having been elected colo-
nel of volunteer militia in IH135, at which
time my father was elected major, whose
commission was -igned by Wolfe, then gov-
ernor of Pa., which I have in my possession.
Dorranoe's grandfather, George Dorrance,
was killed at the massacre of Wyoming,
July 3d, 1778.
Puce and Bowman, two of Bird's com-
panions in arms, who were with Perry on
tho flagship, Niagara, lived about five
miles from where I resided and when a boy
I heard Pace say that he was below in the
ressol throwing up cannon bail, and just be-
fore the close of the action Perry said to
him: "A few more balls, my brave fellow,
and the day is ours." Pace said it was im-
possible to even imagine the electrifying
effect that remark had upon him. He could
then throw with greater ease two balls where
he had thrown one before.
Stewart Pearce, in his "Annals of Luzerne
County," says that "Bird was from Fittston,
aud was descended from a most respectable
family. He was a man of great bodily
strength arid activity, and was fail of pa-
triotic devotion to the cause of hi- country,
but unfortunately his proud spirit boldly re-
jected many of the restraints imposed by
the stern rules of military discipline. He
fought like a tiger, and when wouuded re-
fused to be carried below. Kews of the in-
tended attack of the enemy on New Orleans
had reached the fleet on Lake Erie, and Bird.
ambitions to be in the midst of the smoke and
fire of battle, one night when in command
of the guard, marched away with several of
his men to join Gen. Jackson. ITe was pur-
sued and arrested at Pittsburg, from which
place he was about to embark with a com-
pany of volunteers for the Crescent City.
Being arraigned before aud tried before a
court-martial, he was sentenced, in accord-
ance with the rules of war, to be shot. Had
Commodore Perry received intelligence of
the proceedings in time, Bird'* life svould
have been spared.'"
The Hist cord
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO
TTbe JEarlig Ibiston? of Wyoming lDalIc\>
AND CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY
WITH
NOTES AND QUERIES
Biographical, Antiquarian, Genealogical .
O
EDITED BY F. C. JOHNSON, M. D.
Vol. i] March 18S7 [No. 7
VVILKES-BARRE, pa.
press oi Zbc mil\\cs*Bavvc IRccovo
MDCCCLXXXVII
The Historical Record.
Contents
The Oldest Printer in the United S&ites, J. F. Meginness 101
The Hakes Genealogy, Dr. H. Makes' volume ! 102
Early Lackawanna, Historical Sketches, Dr. II. Hollister 102-103
Drunkenness Now and Then, Historical Comparison 105
An old Wyoming Poem, Juliana Frances Turner 105
Dr. VV. H. Egle, the new State Librarian k>6
The Cold Summer of 1816 107
Wyoming Valley Poetry, Critical Survey, Will S. Monroe 108
History and Science in Scran ton 109
New Historical Publication, Devoted to the West Branch 109
Unpublished Letters relative to settlement of Allentown and Easton, C.F.Hill 110-112
An O'd Time Masonic Record 112
Mr. Yarington's Old Settlers' List Reviewed, IV. Johnson 113-114
Finch Family Reunion 117
H. H. Dcrr's 25th Business Anniversary 118
Old Time River Navigation, Caleb E. Wright 119
Wilcox Genealogical Data Wanted ,.... 1 19
Origin and Organization of the Union League, C. J. Baldwin - 1 20
Old Landmarks Going 122
Loveland Genealogy 121
Autograph Letter ol Washington 122
Charles Morgan's 45th Wedding Anniversary 122
Reminiscences of Mrs. Jesse Thomas 123
Latitude of Wilkes- Bane, as Observed in 1755 anc* 1882, S. Jenkins 121
Notes —
Mrs Swnrtz's 88th Birthday 114
The Pennsylvania Correspondent 118
Cold Summer of 18 16 119
Montgomer) County Historical Society 120
Bucks County Historical Society 120
Carey' Avenue, naming of 121
Not a relative of Mrs. Garfield 121
Deaths —
Joseph Brown ..-.. 115
\Vm, S. Davis 118
Christian Conrad 116
H C. Engelke : 116
M rs. Elizabeth j . Rirkbeck 116
William Best 116
John S. Madden 117
James Ross 117
Mrs. Anna Seely 120
James B. Shaver 124
Charles Hay 103
Abi Slocum Butler '. 104
Silas Alexander 106
J. W Raeder, Bookbindei for the WYoming Historical and Geological Society, 7 am! 9 Market st.,
Wifltes-Barre.
Cy ^ ,**) ■ ! / <i ; -- • -;' ■— * **■*>*-• -"- ' ,' -'• ^-» "*>*-'
-/ /-— 7 / 1 I I *J j '"*' ***) /*"* _.
mux, if flit* t*' nS I' » £ ■.'».■- > ' ' miiaS ^'^ * +■ >*s ml* [ to- e»- v^ t- <uf^
J
Publish] :< Every Week-Day Morning.
Contains the general telegraphic news of th • \ ■ .- , inclu
Markets. The most complete Local Journal in Northern Pennsylvania.
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Is delivered regularly in Alden, Ashley, Bern h Haven, Belbend, Berwick,
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ville, Laurel Run, Luzerne, .Miners' Mills, Mocanaqua, Nanticoke,
Penobscot, Pittston, Plains, Plymouth, Shickshinny, Sugar Notch,
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Published Monthly.
Devoted principally to the early history of Wyoming Valley and conti-
guous territory, with Notes and Queries, Biographical, Antiquarian and
Genealogical. The HISTORICAL Record was started September, 1886,
and each number consists of from 12 to 24 large pages, with wide margin.
Subscription, $1.50 per year, payable in advance. Single Copies, 15
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Address all communications to
R^jcSS,, The; Record.
J.. C.Powell. WILKES-BARRE, PE>TxST'A
Ube historical IRecorb
Vol. I.
MARCH, 1887.
No. 7.
THIS OLDEST PRINTER.
A Visit to a Venerable Printer and Jour-
nalist.
Col. John F. Meginness, of the WilUams-
port Gazette and Bulletin, recently visited
Major Win. P. Elliott, at Lewistown, the
oldest printer and editor in the United
States, and thus tells of it:
At a stated hour last evening we called on
Major Elliott, whom we found awaiting as
in the drawing room of his comfortable resi-
dence. He partially arose and, leaning on
his cane, warmly greeted ns with a shake of
the hands.
"I have been awaiting you for a quarter of
an hour," he said, in a firm voice, and tam-
ing to the reverend gentleman continued:
"I told you to bring your friend at 7:30
sharp; it is nearly a quarter past that time,
but it's all right."
"I have long had a desire to meet yon,"
I said., "as it is claimed by the press that
you are the oldest printer and editor in the
United States, and knew many of the leading
men and politicians who flourished three
quarters of a century ago."
His couutenance brightened up at this re-
mark and he replied:
'•Yes; I believe I'm the oldest printer in
this country. I was born here in Lewis-
town January 12. 1703, and have spent my
entire life in and about this place."
"When did you commence learning the
trade?"
"In 1807 I was apprenticed to Alexander
& Phillips, publishers of the Carlisle Herald,
to learn the trade of a printer. I was to
serve four years."
"You served your apprenticeship?"
"Yes. In 1811, being a full fledged
journeyman. I returm-d to my nnvive town
and started the Juniata Gazette, in connec-
tion with Jame- Dixon. It is still published,
but is now known as the Lewistown Gazette."
"You served as a soldier in the war of
1812?"
"L did. I was with a party on detached
duty wnen the battle of the Thames was
fou .ht, and saw considerable service in that
part of the country."
"That was the battle in which, it is paid,
Colonel Dick Johnson killed Tecumsch, the
famous Indian chief."
"Yes, sir; I think there is no doubt that
Johnson killed him in that battle."
"Did you ever meet Col. Johnson?''
"1 have. He visited me here many years
ago, and we had a pleasant time."
"Were you in tho service when Perry
gained his victory on Lake Erie?"
"I was near enough to hear the sound of
his guns when he thrashed theKritir-h in that
naval engagement."
"Did you return to the printing business
after the close of the war?"
"In 18 10 I sold out my interest in the
Gazette to Mr. Dixcu and engaged in other
business, which i. followed with varying
success for many years. J. was cure engaged
in the turnace business, bnt when hard
times came I was obliged to suspend.
Finally, in 1834, I returned to tho old Ga-
zette, and after publishing it a short time,
soid out to my son in 1835."
"You knew many of the distinguished men
of the time?"
"Very well. I've met Henry Clay, and
once I traveled with him down the river from
here in a boat. I knew James i3uchanan
well, John VV, Foruey and many other
prominent men long since dead."
"Did you know U. J. Jones, who wrote the
story called 'Simon Girty,' and tho history
of the Juniata Valley, more than thirty years
ago?"
"Very well; and I once met Simon Girty,
too. I visited him in his cabin, near Mai-
den, after the battle of the Thames."
"You are an older printer than Gen.
Simon Cameron?"
"Yes, sir; I learned my trade several
years before Cameron had learned to set
type."
"You attended the unveiling of the monu-
ment to Gov. Snyder, at Selmsgrove, three
years ago?"
"I did, and I believe Gen. Cameron and
myself were the only two men present on
that occasion who knew and were acquainted
with Gov. Snyder. I have in my possession
a commission signed by Gov. Snyder com-
missioning me a major of miiilia iu 1817. I
had a hue sword and uuitorm once, but an
officer borroued a portiou of it on a certain
occasion and failed to return it."
Oliver Iliilard is achieving success in the
effort to trace the genealogy of the Hillard
family, and is iu correspondence with mem-
bers ot different branches of the family in
various States.
102
THE HISTORICAL HEC'ORD.
The Hakes Genealoiry.
When, last summer, by way of diversion.
Dr. Hakes undertook to collate and formu-
late his genealogical record of the Hakes
Family, he had no expectation that his labor
would he extended beyond a few weeks, nor
that the outcome would exceed what might
be comprised in a dozen to twenty pages of
maunscript. The volume he has just pub-
lished contains, however, eighty-seven
printed pages. The record covers seven gene-
rations, and the list of names reaches the
very considerable number of 56L. Its pro-
duction has consumed six months of arduous
work. and. that it is complete so tar as ob-
tainable, and adds an original feature in
arrangement which, while it does not disturb
the ordinary method, suggests a change that
is likely to make more easily traceable the
line of descent in branches of a family, is
due to Dr. Hakes' thorough way of working
and his clear conception of w at is most
intelligible to the ordinary reader.
Solomon Hakes is shown to be the com-
mon ancestor. He had sops, George and
Jonathan. Finding that the living descen-
dants are the direct posterity, either of Jona-
than or of the sons of his brother George —
Richard, George 8. and James — the con-
tents of the book are arranged in four table-.
the first tracing the descendants of Jona-
than, the second those of Richard, the third
those of George S., and the fourth those of
James. Dr. Hakes is in the line ot George
S., through his son Lyman, whose children
were Lyman, (who was a member of the
Luzerne bar, his death occuring in 1873,;
Minerva, (the mother of L H. Bennett, Esq., )
Homer. Adaline. Harlo. Harry, < who was an
M. D. from 1846 to 18' 7, and a member of
the Luzerne bar since and at present,) Caro-
line and Vienna.
The Doctor makes this laconic observation
for those who may inquire as to his reason
for publishing the book: "To those who
ponder as to a motive to make a record of
this kind, (quite too long neglected ) 1 tru-t
the receipt of a copy, free of expense, post-
age paid, will be a consoling answer."
There ought to be in every family one who
would take the pains to preserve the fauml>
record that is so admirably t- ken in this in-
stance. The book is very tastefully printed,
and is from the office of Robert Baur .v. Son.
in connection we may add that Dr. Hakes
made in his researches many new acquaint-
ances, renewing old ones as well, and in
order to create fraternal feeling and freshen
family traditions, ho purposes having a
meeting of members of the family at the
National Hotel, Niagara Falls, on the first
Wednesday in August. He is making every
eflort to induce a large turnout, and we dare
say he will secure it, and will have withal a
royal good time.
Early Luokuvunna.
[Dr. Hollistor in Scranton Troth. I
Fifty-four years were measured and red-
dened by wars and massacres at Wyoming
after the Indian purchase, before stone coal
through the genius of Judge Fell, of Wilkes-
Barre, achieved its triumph over wood as a
fael in 1808. This fact imparted the first
dun conception to the farmers of Lacka-
wanna that the black staff along the streams
and new lands offending the eje and the
plough, mignt be nut to better u*e than
impoverishing the soil otherwise produc-
tive. The population of the valley in
1808 12 was small and the inhabitants
poor. Occupied with the plain duties
of husbandry, put to their wits' end to
provide for the pressing wants of large fami-
lies, they gave no thought to the mineral re-
sources of the country, of which they were
totally ignorant until Judge Fell's success
was d filled throughout the country. No one
thought of digging coal, becnuse it was
worthless to atl but the few blacksmiths oc-
casionally at work with it near some cross
roads. As the rivers and the various streams
entering it from the mountains had laid coal
bare in many places by the action of the
water, the citizens of Fittston and Provi-
dence. began to estimate the probable worth
of this new fuel. In the absence of authen-
tic record, it is difficult if not impossible to
put the credit of first burning stone
coal in the valley where it really
belongs, The pioneers from New Eng-
land were not tempted here with the
hope of tiuding anthracite. Here and there,
generally by a spring, a log cabin emerged
from the fre^h burned clearing in which
brave, heart* and strong arms met the as-
saults of poverty with undaunted heroism.
Communication with the lower valley, car-
ried on by the returning mill boy, who told
what he had heard at the mill while waiting
ror iii* grist, slowly agitated the settlement
with the success of Fell's burning coal in a
grate. Preserved Taylor, a man of observa-
tion and judgment, who lived on the western
border ot Capouse Meadow, owned the Tripp
firm whose margin was watered by a small
rivulet. From a vein of coal brought to light
hi the receding waterfall, near the present
Mount Pieasant Colliery, he gathered a few
lumps for a tire in his kitchen in the autumn
of l*sl0. two years later than its introduction
in Wilke*-Barre.
Cod, like wood, everywhere abundant,
cost nothing but the trouble of drawing it to
the farmer'* home on the bob sled in winter
time. As it made a fire which would last all
night and far into the next day without the
trouble of kindling it each -nece^-dve dawn
with ha'f fto/.-n fingers and a wheezy bel-
lows it soon advocated its way among the
farmers along the river who were able to
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
108
employ a smith to make one of the primi-
tive grates of the clay.
WHAT T1IK COAL SULPHUB DID.
These grates had so little draught to them
that most of the sulphur from the coal en-
tered the room. Before the advent of coat
fires everybody had the cutaneous eruption
known as the seven-year itch. In families
where coal was used it soon disappeared and
the luxury of scratching entirely ceased with
the introduction of coal fires. It may as-
tonish many to learn the fact that because
this new kind of sulphur cure offered a
cheap, quick sovereign remedy for what was
then prevalent throughout the country in
spite of brimstone rolls and ointments as-
siduously employed, it more readily was
adopted by the wood burners and choppers.
No powder or pick was necessary to secure
coal. A crowbar or hand spike and a peck
basket constituted the entire mining ma-
chinery of the valley in 1810.
The Richest Dimple.
The richest dimple in the Appalacian chain
of mountains is known as the Lackawanna
coal held. No minor vale in any province,
territory or State has so widely diffused its
name throughout the hemispheres as ha*
this, simply by the wonder of its devolptnent
and the rigor of its coal literature. The an-
thracite field of Lackawanna, with that of
Wyoming lying in Lackawanna and Luzerne
Counties, in Pennsylvania, within one
hundred and fifty miles of the sea-
board, embraces the territory above
the Blue Mountains, known in coal
nomenclature as the "Northern Coal Dis-
trict," was purchased of the Indians com-
prising the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix, in
the Province of New York, July 11, 1754, by
the Connecticut Susquehanna Company, be-
fore the wiid men knew of the nature or ex-
istence of coal or the value or the wide tract
they ceded to the whites for a triile. It was
hot sought out by the emigrants from New
Eu^land tor its authracite, because they too
were without knowledge of its presence or
value.
The consideration given the assembled
chiefs wa-< £2,000, New York currency, equal
to S 10,000 in silver. This sum, unlike
annuities promised the savages iu the >.:reat
West tor their possessions to-day, was hon-
estly paid them on the spot. Covered with
forest* whose depths wee rarely trodden by-
warriors and never mapped by the canoe-
lovers who claimed them from their father*,
the purchase was made by the whites for t he
rea-on that the mild character of the climate
and the fertility of the soil, especially along
the Susquehanna and Lackawanna lowlands,
where fish and game were abundant, assured
the husbandman of plenty from the very
start, without extraordinary labor or exer-
tion.
A century retires before the coal revolu-
tion. Men will read these articles whose
infant cries were lulled to sleep by a
mother's song at eventide beside the wood
tiro aglow m the old lire place without
measuring in their minds the transition
from the wood to the coal period. So thor-
oughly and yet so qnie ly has this great,
grand revolution been carried on in a spirit
of rivalry, if not extravagance, that many
in their haste for wealth, have forgotten the
hanging of the crane over the hearthstones
where they were born. — H. HolHster, M. I).,
in S( ronton 'J ruth.
Death of a Former Wilkes-Barreau.
Hay.— At hib residence in Moalton Township,
three miles w«v,t of Wapakoneta, O., on Feb. 12,
1887, of Bright's disease, Charles Hay, aged t>9
years, C> months and 27 days.
We copy the above death notice from
the Auglaize Republicanoi PHh ot February.
The deceased was born in Wilkes Barre
Township, now Plains, July 15, 1817. He
was a son of Henry Hay, blacksmith, whose
shop and place of residence was the first
house this side of the late Esquire James
Stark's place on the main road leading to
Pittston. He was married in 1819 to Ellen
Jackson, of Wilkes-Barre, and removed to
Auglaize County, Ohio, in the fall of 1855,
where he has since lived. His wife died in
July 1868, leaving a family of five girls and
a son, all now living. For his second wife he
married Martha Young, of Auglaize, in 1870,
who died in 1879. leaving four childien, all
now living, in 1881 he married Miss Mary
Larue, of Wilkes- Barre, who still survives
him. M r. Hay was a kind husband and an
affectionate father. He ha* paid several vis-
its to his native town since removing to the
West, and was always welcomed kindly by
the few of bis former neighbors and friends
of old Plains who knew him well as boy aud
man for so many years, and who still sur-
vive him; but the old stock of thirty-five
years ago are becoming few and far be-
tween: a new people, with new pursuits aud
new objects in life have almost wholly sup-
planted the original tillers of the soil and
driven them to seek new homes, many of
them on the rich farm lands towards the re-
gion of the setting sun, while the subterra-
nean toilers in the mines now hero risk life
and limb to ^ain a scanty subsistence in
bringing to the surface our black diamonds
of commerce.
A history of the Dean Family is now being
published by Lean Dudley, Wakefield, Mass.
The work is illustrated, has tabular pedi-
grees and sells for 85—81 each for 6 parts.
The author invites data from representatives
of the Dudley family.
104
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
THE LATE A HI SI.OCUM BUTLER.
A Representative of Several Distinguished
Pioneer Families ol Wyoming Valley
— Her Funeral.
The last tribute of reppect was paid fo the
memory of the late Mrs.Abi S. Butler March
15, by a large concourse of sorrowing
friends at tho residence of her daughter,
Mrs. Rath B. liiJlard. The services were
conducted by the pastor of the First M. E.
Chnrch,to which deceased had belonged since
childhood. He was assisted by Rev. Dr. Y.
C. Smith, the oldest surviving pastor of the
church, he having served from 186-1 to 18G0.
The latter made a most touching address. A
choir consisting of Miss Nellie Wells, Miss
Edith Puckey, Frank Packey and
John C. Jeffries sang the hymns.
There was a profusion of beautiful
flowers. The honorary pall bearers were
\V. W. L -oinis F. V. Rockafellow, L. 1).
Shoemaker, N. Ratter, Josiah Lewis and
Richard Sharpe, aud the carriers were C. B.
Price, Wm. Dickover, E. J. Sturdevant,
Thomas Connor, Theron Burnet and G. W.
KirRendall. Among the relatives from out
of town were Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Sayre
Jr., Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Ajres, Mr. and Mrs.
H. E. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Chahoon, Mrs.
Nice, Mrs. John B. Lovet Mrs. Mary Butler
Reynolds, Fierce Butler and Mrs. Martha
Butler. Other family representatives were
George Slocum Bennett, Frank A. Phelps,
W. L. Couyugham, Charles Parrish, Col. C.
M. Couyugham, Judge Woodward, Mrs.
Amanda Butler, C. E. Butler. Interment
to<>k place in Hollenback Cemetery.
Mrs. Butler's rather, Joseph Slocum. was a
a prominent man iu old Wilkes- Barre ana
took a leading part in local affairs. He mar-
ried, iu 1800, Sarah, daughter of Judgo
Jesse Fell, whose discovery that anthracite
cool coud be burned in an ordinary open
grate was made iu 1808, the tir.-t discovery
that authrciciie could be used for domestic
purposes. There were seven children from
this union. Hannah, b )rn 1800, married
Ztha Bennett and died in 1855. Ru'h Tripp,
born 180-1. married Gen. Wm 8. Ross and
died iu 1882. Deborah, born 1806, mar-
ried Auumg Chahoon. Abi Slocum, born
1808, married Lord Batler and died in
1887. Georue, horn 18 12, married Mary
Graudou. Jonathan, born 1815, married
Eliz-tbeth Cutler Le Clerc, and died in 1800.
Unmet Elizabeth, born 1819, married
Charles B. Drake and is the only one of the
children living.
At the age of 24 Abi Slocum was married
to Col Lord Butler. She spent h*-r entire
life in Wilkes-Barre. Her daughter, Ruth
B., is tho widow of W. S. Hillard. Mary B.,
is the wife ot Eugene B Ayrcs. Of lour
sons, Joseph, Zebulon, Ziba and Edmund
G., the latter is, the only one living. Mrs.
Butler w.is a Methodist by iraining and by
preference and her happiest hours wore
spent within {no walls ot the sanctuary. She
was a woman whose heart beat quick to
everj call for help, and there will be many
poor families who, in her death, lose a friend
who was ever dispensing aid. Her charities
were quiet, but wide reaching. She was the
first president of the Beard of Lady Man-
agers of the Wilkes-Barre Hospital and
member of tho lady managers of tho Home
for the Prieudlei-s, taking an active interest
in both. Mrs. Butler's demise was not un-
anticipated, as she had for some time b-en
in an apparent decline, with, however, little
or no suffering attending it.
Mrs. Butler's husband was a son of Gen.
Lord Butler, and a grandson of Col Zebulon
Butler. The latter bore a distinguished
part in the troublous times of early Wyo-
miug, and was in command of the heroic
baud of settlers who fought the combined
force of British, Indians and Tories in 1778.
Zebulon Btttier married for his lirst wife
Anna Lord, and it was from this union that
the elder Lord Butler was born at Lyme,
Conn., iu 1770. Lord Butler became prom-
inent in Wyoming affairs, was advanced to
the highest position in the local militia, was
the lirst sheriff of Luzerne County, and
afterwards held tho po-iuous of pruthono-
tary, clerk of the courts, register and re-
corder, court then being held at his house,
earner of River aud ^Northampton Streets,
where Judge Stanley Woodward now lives.
Iu 1790 he was a member of the Supreme
Executive Council of the State, in 17U4 he
was postmaster of Wilkes- Barre, in ISol he
was a State Assemblyman, and afterwards
was county commissioner and county treas-
urer. Stiii later he was a tovvn councilman
of Wilkes Barre Borough, its president, and
from 1811 to 1814 was burge.-s. He mar-
ried Mary Pierce, granddaughter of Abel
Pierce, one of the original settlers in Wyo-
ming.
Their youngest son bore his father's name,
Lord Butler, and he was born iu 1800. tie
married in 18:;'_2 the subject of this .-ketch,
who was two years his junior, but who
survived her husband 25 year-, he
dying ia 1801 at ttie brick building
ou Public Square now occupied by
Brown's book ^tore. This building was
erected by his wife's father. Joseph Slocum,
in 1807. Ii was the first brick house erected
iu Wilkes- Barre. Lord Butler, ~d, was a
civil engineer by profession, and was identi-
fied with several important constructions m
this region. During the last '20 years of his
life ho was engaged in coal mining at Pitts-
THE H1S20RICAL RECORD.
105
tou, with his brother,Col. John L. Bntler,and
his brother-in-law, Judge Garnck Mallery.
Ho was h leading man in the M. L. Church.
Is is wife organised a Snrfday school in
Wilkes B»rro as early as 1829.
The subject of this sketch was a niece of
the celebrated Frances Slocnrn, who whs
captured by the Indians in 1778 and carried
from her Wilkes-Barre home into the wilder-
ness by a roving band of Deiawares. she be-
ing at this time tive years of age. The story
of her captivity and her romantic finding
nearly 60 years later, among a tribe of West-
ern Indians, i* familiar to every schoolchild.
The niece, whose death has just occurred,
was the po-sessnr of a lite-size portrait, in
Indian garb, of the "Lost Sister/' who conld
not be persuaded to return to her kindred,
but preferred to die among the children of
the forest, the only friends of whom she had
any knowledge. '
An Old Wyoming Poem.
So far as we know the following beautiful
lines have never appe red in any newspaper.
They are taken from a rare volume, in the
possesion of the Historical Society, entitled
"The Harp of the Beech Wqorte," printed
and published at Montrose in 162*3 by Adam
Waldie, the author being Juliana Frances
Turner, who describes her volume as being
made up solely from 'the wild flowers of the
forest." It is a collection of extremely
meritorious ver=es and was presented to
tho society in 1858 by Edward S. Loop:
THE VALE OF WYOMING.
Ad;eu to th^e, Wyoming, loveliest thIp!
To thy mountains, thy rills and thy groves.
To the flowers which in clusters enamel thy
dale.
Where the birds tell the tale of their loves.
Where the spirits of Albert and Gertrude are
seen
By Cynthia's pal" shadowy li^cht,
Wnile th* dark 'utaiissi and Henry's mil ' mien
'Look lik* morning led oa b> the night."
Where the genius of Campbell has loved to re-
pose
His might and his sweetness of vpr^e.
Where tin bloom of the thistle it ■> wild magic
throws
O'er the scene his bright numbers rehearse.
Adieu ye sweet shades! from my mind whilst 1
live
Your rem mbranca never will fade;
Fond fancy in song oft her t'lhu e shaU give
To each hill a..d each beautiful glade.
Ex-Surgeon General Hammond, the emi-
nent New York physician, ha* issued another
historical novel from the press of D. Apple-
ton & Co., entitled "Oo the Susquehanna. "
The sceue is laid at Harrisburg and people
in Dauphin County claim to see through the
thin disguises of many of the characters.
DruiikeneM Now and Tlicn.
The letters of "Steele Penne" in tho
Media A meriean are always entertaining in
their style and independent in their senti-
ments. Not the least so is a recent compar-
ison of the liquor habit a century ago with
tho liquor habit to-day, which comparison
redounds much to tho discredit of our sober
ancestors.
Steele Fenne has taken the pains, he says
— and we will accept his word for it -to look
over some of the old records, and diligent
search therein has persuaded him that we
have progressed moro rapidly ia everything
else than in drunkenness. Such a bold
statement iu defiance of the rhetoric and
warnings of male and fomale lecturers on
the spirituous degeneracy of the times,
savors of a temerity that all will admire. We
will append, for the justification of "Steele
Pen ue,M a ft w of the f eta that he claims in
support of his conclusion.
First, then, there are not as many public
houses where liquor is sold under a license
in this country as there were a century ago.
In Delaware County, at that anc ent day,
there were six time- as many liquor places,
in proportion to the population, as at pre-
sent. In Chester County, cited as. the pre-
sent paradise of liquor dealers, the ratio
in one hundred years has fallen in a wonder-
ful degree.
It is claimed, and with apparent founda-
tion, by the unterritied "Steele Penne'' that
illicit liquor selling was carried on to a
greater extent in the age of our great-grand-
fathers than in the present day. Drinking
on Sunday is showu to have been a
favorite and general custom at the public
houses, a popular beverage being "Satnp-
pon," so-called doubtless trom its strength.
Drinking at funerals was a common custom
much honored in the observance.
In order to inspire t>ig bids at vendues,
liquor was on draught, free to all, and as
plenteous as water. In fact, liquor appears
to lnye been a concomitant of every social,
political or mixed gathering. Juror*, in
capital cases on trial, were invigorated for
their deliberations by the rum bottle, and
bills for such refreshment for jurors, com-
missioners, assessors aod justices were paid
by the county. Tho custom of drinking on
New Year's Day is so recently abandoned as
to be readily recalled.
All in all, "Steele Penne" makes out a
strong case for his conclusion that drinking
and druukenness are not at present so pre-
valent as iu the days ot our sober ancestors.
That the liquor habit is still the worst social
evil that the world is struggling with "Steele
Penuo" does not attempt to confute; if he
were to make the attempt we are sure he
would find it beyond his power.
KM!
THE HISTORICAL RECOUD.
Tiie JSeiv SLue Librarian.
Our telegraphic columns announced sev-
eral days ago the appointment of Dr. Wm.
H. 32gle, of Harribburg, as Stale Librarian.
Although there were other available men
anions the applicants, notably the venerable
editor of the York Dispatch, Mr. Hiram
Young, it is safe to say that the appoint-
ment of Dr. Egle could not have been im-
proved upon. Dr. Egle is 56 years ot age
and has always lived in Harrisburg. In hi*
boyhood days he learned the printer's
trade and subsequently had charge of
the State printing. He also en
gaged for a time in editorial work
in Harrisburg. At the age of 24 he began
the study ot medicine, graduating from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1859. He
practiced his profession in Harrisburg until
1862, when after the second Bull Run he was
telegraphed for.by Adjutant General Itus-
sell, of Pennsylvania, to go to Washington
to assist in the care of the wounded, which
duty he performed. Soon after he was com-
missioned assistant surgeon of the 0t5th P.
V., and in 1863 surgeon of the 47th P. V.
militia. Afterwards President Lincoln ap-
pointed him surg^ou of volunteers and he
was ordered to Kentucky and elsewhere.
During the Appomattox campaign he was
chief executive medical officer of Birney's
Division, 24th Army Corps, and later held
the same position in the 25th Corns.
At the close of the war Dr. Egle again
located in Harrisburg, but a taste for liter-
ary pursuits tempered, perhaps, with the ab-
sence of the excitement of held life, made
private practice irk-ome and he did but
little of it, engaging meanwhile in the drug
trade, which he still follows as closely as his
literary work will » ermit.
Upon the organization of the National
Guard of Pennsylvania in 1870 he was ap-
pointed surgewn-in-chief of the Fifth Di-
vision, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel,
and he is now the senior medical officer in
the N. G. P.
He i« a member of many historical and
learned societies in America and Kngland.
He is the author of a "History of Pennsyi-
vauia," published iu 1876 and was asso-
ciated with Hon. John Blam Lion, in ed t
ing 12 volumes of the second serie- of
'"Penns>lvania Ar( hives." Later productions
of his pen are histories of Dauphin and
Lebanon Counties aud the initial volume of
"Pennsylvania Genealogies." a -up^rb
volume of «>ver 700 pages. Dr. E_de edi's
the department of Notes and Queries in the
Harrisburg Telegraph, a historical feature
which finds mi imitator in he Historical
Co'nmn of the we-kly Record
He will bring to his duties of State Librar-
ian, a mind admirably adapted to the work
in hand, an experience in the realm of State
history having no equal in the Common-
wealth, and an enthusiasm born of love
lor books that will revolutionize the State
Library. Gov. Beaver is entitled to the
thanks of all good citizens for making the
appointment.
Death of Silas .Alexander.
[Daily Record, March 5.]
At 20 minutes to 7 last evening Silas
Alexander, the serious accident to whom
was reported in Thursday's Recobd, died at
his residence over Bergold's meat market on
East Market Street. Since his severe fall on
Wednesday afternoon by which a leg was
fractured and one hip dislocated he had
been .-teadily sinking, and the effects of his
injuries were further aggravated by the
manifestations of kidney, disease. Since
Thursday afternoon he had been partially
unconscious and could with difficulty be
aroused from Ids comatose condition. He
seemed to sutler considerably, but his last
hurs were more calm and he appeared com-
paratively free from pain.
Mr. Alexander was born in Dover,
Su-sex County, N. J., April 25, 1709,
his parents being of English extrac-
tion. He was educated at the
Newton Academy in New Jersey, and hav-
ing completed his course there took charge
of the institution for one term. His parents
had died when he was quite jouug and he
had been brought up by an uncle. In 1820
he left his native town and moved to Nanti-
coke where he continuously resided for over
50 years. At first he taught school in that
town but after a few years opened a gen-
eral store which was largely patronized by
the boatmen who plied on the canal. He
was married Oct. 10, 1821, to Elizabeth,
daughter of Valentine Smith, of N wport
township, bj whom he had 13 chiloren,
seven of whom survive him. His wife died
in September. 1871, and Nov. 20, 1873
he married his second wife, the widow
of Samuel Puterbau-jh, by whom he is
sn-vived though no children resulted from
this union.
His surviving children are Cym*. John J.,
Ku-rene, Adrian, Phoebe, wife of William
Li-isenring, who reside in N-.nticoke, Dnran
C, a prosp^rou-* merchant of Laporte Ind ;
and Washington, who re>ides in Benton
township.
Mr. Alexander moved to this city some
eight or ten years ago but still corned on
th^ store nt N nticoke until ahout two years
atro whed he sold out to his sou Eugene who
now carries on the business. The funeral
will probably take place Tuesday after-
noon with interment in Hanover Green
cemetery. He leaves an estate valued at
£300,000.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Iu7
The Year Without a Summer.
The Reoobd desires to elicit some details
from its readers as to the famous "cold
BUmnier" of 1H1(;. Some of our readers
can recall that yoar from their own
memories, while others have heard the story
as it was told.
Oo the 18th of August, 1886, Mrs. A drew
Raub died ia Lnz -roe Borough at the ad-
vanced age of Oo years. Iu the ReCoBD's
biographical >ketch of this venerable mother
appeared the following reference to the
famous "cold su timer:"
•'tier husband, who came from New
Jers'-y to visit f'iends in Wyoming Valley
was wont to tell his children ever afterwards
about that visit, for it was during the cold
summer of 1816— a year when every month
hid its frost. He u-ed to s i.v that iu June
there wa^ a snow storm which bore heavily
upon the wheat, thnn iu bloom: that many
of the farmers t »ok clothes lin^s and «crayed
the suow from the bending grain: that those
who did this lost their crops while the ones
wtio trusted to nature had no harm come to
their grain; and that wh-n the harvest
finally came the farm hands went to the
fields wearing their great coats."
The f ollowiug reminiscence of that remark-
able year is credited to Mr. Abram Runyon,
the venerable father of Chancellor liunyon,
which he recently wrote to a friend at Plain-
field, N. J.:
"In the year lb 16 there was a sharp frost
in every month. It was known as the 'year
without a summer.' The farmers used to
refer to it as 'eighteen hundred and starve to
death.' Iu May ice formed half an inch
thick, buds and flowers were frozen and corn
killed. Frost, and ice and suow were com-
mon in June; almost every green thing was
killed, and the fruit was nearly all destroyed.
Snow fell to the depth of three
inches in New York and Massachusetts, and
ten inches in Maine. Juiy was accompanied
with frost and ice. On the oth ice was form-
ed of the thickness of window glass iu New
York, New England and Pennsylvania. In
Augu-t ice formed half an inch f>ick. A
cold Northern wind prevailed nearly all
summer. Corn was so frozen that a great
deal of it whs cut down and dried for fod-
der. Very little ripened in New England,
and scarcely any in the Middle States and
farmers were obliged to pay S4 and S5 a
bushel for corn of lSlo, for seed for the
next spring's planting."
The Cold Summer of 1816.
Editob Recokd: You ask for reminis-
cen>-es of the "cold summer"' of 181G That
year was a sorry time for farmers and all
others that tried to raise crops of any kind,
as well as for consumers who were obliged
to purchase provisions or any of the neces-
saries of life. Wages of the laboring classes
were not high in proportion to the cost of
living. It was a hard lime for the poor. For
two months of that summer *heie were tnrco
black spots on the sun, plainly vi-ible to the
naked eye; ihe weather mostof the time was
so cool that woolen apparel was absolutely
necessary for comfort. There were severe
frosts several nights during each summer
month, and the small amount of corn that
got through to the month of September, and
was then in the milk Stat*, was entirely
frozen and killed, and the ears of corn in
the liUfks became rottou. The stench
was so offensive that people would
avoid passing a co>mneld when the wind was
toward them. Cattle would nut eat the
stalks until the rotten ears wrre taken off.
It was SKid. and probably truthfully, that
not a bushel of sound corn was raised in
Luze-rne Couiaty that season. Nor were
there any fruit or garden vegetables raised
th tt f ro.^t could kill. Put during these pri-
vations of the people, they had one comfort,
there was the greatest run of shad up the
Su.-quehanna River that Spring that was
ever before or since known. The shad fish-
ery was on the west side of the river, oppo-
site the mouth of Mill Creek. The shad
seine of the fishery was owned by a company
of men from both sides of the river; my
father owned a share and I, although a boy
of only 13 years, was boss of the Brail
Canoe: there were in the upper end of the
fishery, about ten rods from the west shore,
two large stones or rocks, over which the
sinker line had to be raised by lifting the
Brail of the sinker line and keeping it up
till the rocks were passed. This was my
part of the duties of the fishery. Some days
not a shad could be caught, some other days
a few, or perhaps a few hundred wTould be
taken, but on one day three thousand shad
were hauled iu at that fishery. I will not
attempt to describe the fun and frolic of
throwing the shad out of the water on to the
beach when they were hauled near the snore
in the shallow water by the seine. It was
rare spurt. Dilton Yarinoton.
Carbondale, March 15, 1887.
- The Scranton Truth has begun the
publication of a series of sketches of Early
Days in the Lackawanna Valley, written
especially for that paper by the historian
and antiquarian, Dr. H. Hollister, who is
well and favorably known by Kecokd readers.
The Carbondale Leader says that "the
Wilkes-Barre Recoup is the historical paper
of this region and that it is doing good work
in rescuing from oblivion many of the inci-
dents of local history connected with the
Lackawanna and Wyomieg Valleys."
1()8
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
WYOMING VALLKY POETRY.
Critical and Historical Survey ~ Early
Writers and Published Books of Verse.
PABT FIB8T.
To give a critical and historical analysis of
the poetry of the Wyoming Valley, necessi-
tates the exploring of a hitherto unwritten
department of local literature. Mr. John S.
McGroarty, in his Poets and Poetry of
Wyoming Valley, given selections f om the
better known Versifiers, but no critical or
historical reminiscences. For tnis brief sur-
vcy I have taken possession of many widely
scattered facts and have endeavored to
mou d them into a history of Wyoming
Valley pi etry; and, whiie I have admired
the songs of our native writers and made
the touch of the critical iiuger somewhat
gentle, I have sought to point out the powers
and limitations ot the singers and empha-
size their imperfections.
More than a hundred years have passed
since the first local writers began to drink in-
spiration from the beauties of this historic
valley and to pour iorih their intoxication
with sparkling emications of poetic fancy.
It was in 1785 that Uriah Terry wrote his
"Wyoming Massacre:" in 1810 that Charles
F. Wells wrote the "Warriors of Wyoming,"
and in 1812 that James Sinton wrote the
"Poor Man and the Doctor." Edward Chap-
man, Charles Miner, and Josiah Wright
helped to swell the Hood of local verse during
the opening years of the present century, but
their rhymes contain little merit and can
scarcely be called poetry. The mblished
verses of Amos Sisty, Andrew Beaumont, A.
T. Lee, Sarah Miner and Charles Mowery
evince a degree of poetic talent, though un-
equal and faulty in finich.
The Literary Visiter, established at
Wilkes-Barre in 1813, served as a medium of
communication for tne early writers of this
section. It was royal octavo size, a weekly
journal, and published by Steuben Butter.
The Visitor was primarily a literary periodi-
cal, and the editor, in the salutatory of the
initial number, assures his readers that the
paper will be devoted to every department
of knowledge ''which can be considered use-
ful, interesting, or amusing to ail classes of
readers — biographical sketches of the most
important personages of America and
Europe — anecdotes of wit and humor
— important facts in the history
of nature— remarkable events iu the
history of nations — the finest flights
of the mu-e — the selected beauties of ancient
and modern eloquence — such essays as will
instruct correctly in morality and duty, in
education, science and the arts; and these
selected from the best writers, will appear in
a drees calculated to form a correct taste in
English composition." Ho also informs his
readers that "the great part of the paper, in-
stead of being occupied with advertisements
which are usetul only to a few men of busi-
ness, will be tilled with such a diversity of
matter, that it can hardly fail ot obtaining a
welcome reception from every reader." 'Ihis
promise was well kept. It contained no ad-
vertisements during the two years that it ex-
isted, and was the principal market for the
wares of the early Wyoming Valley writers.
The Frontier Maid, or a Tale of Wyoming,
was the firr*t poetical volume published here.
It was a metrical romance ot two hundred
pages written by Joseph McCoy and pub-
lished at Wilkes-Barre iu 1819 by Samuel
Maffet & Steuben Butler, lc is a narra-
tive of the massacre ot Wyoming, has ten or
a dozen prominent characters, is divided in-
to live cantos, and has an appendix of nine-
teen pages of notes explaining V>e geogra-
phical and historical allusions of the poem.
Mature years paii .fully revealed to tne au-
thor the defects of the poem
and ho subsequently collected and
burned all the copies he could get.
Athough characterized tor its inequalities
and absurdities The Frontier Maid is not
wholly without merit. Here and there a line
can be found having the genuine poetic ring.
Mr. McCoy was, ot course, too deficient in
constructive art to elaborate a well sustained
narrative; but had he been less ambitious
and given more finish to what he undertook,
ho might have written clever verses.
TJie Harp of the B-ech Woods, by Juliana
Frances I urner, was published at Montrose
in 1822 by Adam Waldie. The selections
are chiefly lyrical, of which "My Home in
the Beech Woods" is perhaps the best.
"Evening," a dainty pastoral, is a poein of
remarkable purity and simplicity: and "The
Humming Bird" and "Happiness at Home"
are delicate and picturesque descriptive
lyrics. The volume contains a dozen son-
nets which detract from the merit ot the
book, since the author evidently knew little
or nothing of the mechanical construction
of the sonnet. The sonnet "To a Mother"
i* rich in sentiment; and in the one on "My
Rhymes" she displays a genuine sense of
refined humor.
The Wyoming Monument, "A Poem by
the Lu-Nat-ic Bard of Wyoming,'1 was pub-
lished at Wilkes- Barre in 1841 by Anthony
P. Brower, the author, and dedicared to the
Ladies' Monumental Association of Wilkes-
Barre. It is an attempt at lyric poetry, but
has no merit, whatever, and teems with the
eccentricities which characterized its Kuthor.
About the only redeeming feature of the
book is the twelve page appendix of explan-
atory notes. A receipt for the price ot the
book, in the bard's own handwriting, was
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
109
attached to the first page of each copy sold.
Richard Drinker and Edward E. Lo Clere
were both writers of meritorious verse. Mr.
Drinker's "Address ton Laud Tortoise," pub-
lished in Chandler's Magazine of Philadel-
phia, in 1819, shows him to have been pos-
sessed of a rich sense of humor combined
with all the fervor of a true poet. "Christ-
mas," after the style of Burns, is humorous,
witty and genial. His poems aro wanting
in deep pathos and originality of thought,
bat are distinguished for their vigor-
ous common sense and unique execu-
tion. Edward E. LeClerc, another
writer of clever verse, possessed the
divine gift of so g to a remarkable degree.
His best poem, "The Massacre of Wyoming,"'
was read at the commencement exercises of
Dickinson College in July, 1830, and subse-
quently published in Godey's Lady Book.
This, and ihe poem on the death of his friend,
Lieut. James Monroe Bowman, represents
him at his best, although in all his writings
he displays an exquisite sense of rhythm and
a remarkable instiuct in the choice of words.
— Will S. Monroe in Scran ton Saturday
Argus.
History and Science in Scran ton.
The Lackawanna Institute of History and
Science has completed the first year of its
existence. Irs library comprises 3tio bound
volumes, 175 pamphlets and 3 maps and
manuscripts. The museum has 371 cata-
logued specimens. In his annual report
Curator C. L. Wheeler has ihe following:
I have prepared a catalogue of the coal
flora fossils of this valley and riud that forty-
eight genera and three hundred and forty-
eight species have been found and de-
scribed. After consultation with Mr. R. D.
Lacoe, and by his advice I have divided the
vall-y into six districts, to be called respec-
tively the Carbond*le, Oijphant, Scranton,
Pittston, Wilkes Barre and Plymouth dis-
tricts. In the two or three lower veins
worked at Carbondale Mr. C arkson
found twenty-six species. Oly phant,
whieh shows the work of two or
three good collections, has sfTorded a
hundred and one species. A result of very
little collecting gives Plj mouth twenty-
eicht. Wilkes Barre ha* yielded one hun-
dred and seven. Pittston, through the
earnest work of so able a palaeo-botanist as
Mr. R. D. L-icop. comes to the front with
two hundred and forty five species. Scran-
ton, with her five or six veins of coal cover-
ing everything from the inter conglomerate
up throuyh the coal measure with tier broad
valley and the great quantities' of slate ex-
posed, has afforded only thirty-nine species
to the sci- nnfic world. Surely, here is a
virgin field for our infant Institute to cul-
tivate.
West Kranch Local History.
Wc are pleased to announce a new
publication devoted to the history of the
We- 1 Branch Valley of the Susquehanna,
thy Juniata region, and the .Northwestern
counties of our State. It will be published
by Mr. John E. Meginness, of Williamsport,
who for many j ears has edited the leading
daily paper of that city, and who some 30
years ago wrote a charming history of the
West Branch region, under the title of
"Otzinachson." We append the prospectus
which Mr. Meginness is tending out, know-
ing that it will interest many readers on the
North Branch, both regions havng much in
common, pertaining to their early history.
Ihe H istorica I Journal : A monthly maga-
zine for preserving fragments of local his-
tory in Northwestern Pennsylvania. — 1 have
often been solicited to start a monthly His-
torical Maga/.me, for the purpose ot collect-
ing and preserving scraps ot Local History
which will soon be lost torever. Yielding to
these solicitations, I now propose to start
such a publication, and will issue the lirst
number about the first of May. It will con-
tain thirty two octavo pages, in magazine
form, and be neatly printed on fine paper.
The opening feature of each number will
be a Biographical Sketch of some prominent
deceased person — with portrait — or some
old person living. Special attention will be
given to the collection of Historical Inci-
dents of Early Times, Reminiscences of
Pioneers, Indian Antiquities, Necrology,
Longevity', Statistics, Manufactures, and
curious things.
Since publishing the History of the West
Branch Valley, mure than thirty years ago,
and especially during my editorial service
on the Gazette and Bulletin for eighteen
years, I have gathered a large mount of
material that would be valuable, if put in a
magazine for prerervation. This publica-
tion will not interfere with the proposed re-
vised History of the West Branch Valley, as
the bulk of the matter it will contain can-
not be used in that book, only in the briefest
form, and in t^e majority of ca^es not at all.
An opportunity is now afforded those who
are interested m the preservation of bits of
Local History to aid in the enterprise. The
Historical Journal will be printed with a
view to binding, and twelve numbers will
make a hand.-ome volume of 384 pages.
The subscription price will be $2 per annum,
of twelve numbers, payable in advance.
A biographical sketch of Rev. John
Brysou, with portrait, who was pastor of
Warrior Run Presbyterian Church, North-
umberland County, for oyer half a century,
will be the opening article in the first
number.
110
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
TWO LrXri/r.I,lSI4l-:i> JL.UITUUS.
ITow Fort Allen, Now AUeiltowo, was
Provisioned 131 Years Ago — How JKas-
ton Looked to the JMoneers of 1 T."»'^.
The following unpublished letter, bearing
npoa the early history of Northeastern Penn-
sylvania, are kindly sent the uecobd by
Charles F. Hill, of Hazlnton, whose contri-
bution? are always welcome:
Editor Record: 1 Herewith communicate
a letter, whicn 1 oelieve has never appeared
in print. It is from Jacob Levan, Esq., of
Maxatawney, Berks County, Pa., to Major
"William. Parsons at Easton, Pa.
Jacob Levan, Esq., was a justice
of the peace, a judge and father
of Jacob ana Col, Sebastian Levan, of the
Revolutionary army, and also a member of
the Supreme Executive Council. Major Par-
sons was surveyor general of the proviuce,
and resigned on account of ill health in June,
1743, was appointed a justice of the peace,
removed to Easton ir 1752, aud as major had
the military charge of that section. In con-
nection with the letter of Jacob Levan, Esq.,
we will also give a lecter from Major Parsons
to Richard Peters, Esq., giving a description
of Easton as it appeared Dec. 6, 1752:
Maxatawney, November 8, 1756.
My Kind Service and Gbeeting
To you Sir and Major William Parsons:
1 am constrained to write yon a few lines
in as much as I have provisioned Fort Allen
since spring and have had much labor and
trouble by day and night; aud have furn-
ished everything, in quantities, that they
needed, so that Captain Reinolds was well
satisfied with me. Aud now since 1 have
gone to heavy costs, and have bought wheat
and fat cattle to provision the Fort again,
Adam Deschler and Paul Balliet have as-
sumed to provision the Fort, and have told
me I should furnish no more provision: that
they had made a written agreement with the
Commissary, and oifered to furnish pro-
vision for 6 pence less per man per week
than formerly, which 1 am also willing to do
as well as another. Sir \. iliiarn Parsons as
Major has already once, on my account,
given himself the trouble to write to the
Commissary that I should provision the
Fort, hence I ask him yet once more, since
I cannot go there myself, as for several
weeks I have been contined to my bed, else
I would appear in person before him, aud —
and speak lace to face to him.
I remain his most obedient friend and
wellwisher. Jacob Levan.
Easton, December Sth, 1752.
Rich. Peters. Esq , Sir: Upon removing
my family to this Place my Thoughts have
been more engaged in considering the cir-
cumstances of this Infant Town tnan ever,
as well with regard to its neighborhood, as
the Probability there is of its being fur-
nished with Provisions from the Inhabitants
near about it. and if there already i-=, or
probably may in time be, a sufficient num-
ber of settlers to carry on any considerable
Trade with the Town. For without the->f it
is not likel> that it will be improved to any
great height, as well with Regard to the
Town itself, tluit is to say us Situation, as to
Health, Trade and Pleasantness. Easrou is
situate in the Fork of the River Delaware,
exactly in that Part of thy Fork where the
tvvo mam Branches meet, and is bounded on
the South by the West Branch, and on the
East with the main Branch of the River
which runs in this Place, nearly North
and South, about 120 Perches to the very
pleasant brook of water, called Tattamy'p
Creek, which bounds the town to the north.
On the west it is bounded by a pretty high
hill that ruus nearlj parallel to and at the
distance of 130 perches from the main
branch. The site of the town is pleasant
and very agreeable; the banks of all the
waters bounding it are high and clean, and
if it was as large again as it is. being now
about 100 acres, it might be said to be a
very beautiful place for a town. It is true
that it is surrounded on every side by very
high hills, which make it appear under some
disadvantages at a distance, and might give
some occasion for suspicion of its not being
very healthy. But during all the last sum-
mer, which was very dry, and the fall, which
has been, remarkably wet, I don't know
that any one has been visited with the
fever or any other sickness, notwithstanding
most of the people have been much exposed
to the night air and wet weather. From
whence I make no difficulty to conclude the
place is and will continue very
healthy. As to the external ad-
vantages or disadvantages of the town, I am
not yet sufficiently acquainted with
the country to enumerate them all. The
most conspicuous are the adjacent rivers.
The main branch in some seasons of the
year is navigable for small craft, from near
100 miles above the town to Philadelphia,
aud if it were cleared in some
places of the rocks which impede
the navigation in the summer sea-on,
above as well as below the town, i and I haAe
been told that it is practicable iu some good
measure to clear them,) the advantage that
would accrue from the trade to aud from
Philadelphia, must be very considerable, as
water carriage is much cheaper, and, in re-
spect to several kinds of merchandise good*,
much safer than land carnage. Aud in re-
gard to the trade up the river, that would
likewise be very advantageous to the town,
as w.-ll as to the country m general, even in
the single article of lumber, as there is great
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Ill
plenty of almost all kinds of timber over the
mountains, where thoro is also many good
conveniences for erecting saw mills,
and several are built there already. From
whence the town might readily
bo supplied with boards, scantling
«ko. The West Branch will also be of advan-
tage to th© town, as it is navigable several
milns for small craft. And Tattam's Creek
being a good etream of water to erect mills
upon, will also contribute towards the ad-
vancement of the place. The Jersey side
being at present more settled near the river,
opposite to the forks, than the Pennsylvania
side, and indeed the laud on that side is
better watered and more convenient for
settlements, than it is on this side for seve-
ral miles about Easton. We have been sup-
plied as much or more from that side, as
from our own. But how Mr. John Cox's
project of laying out a town upon his hind
adjoining Mr. Martin's land, is hard to say,
and time only can obviate. But notwith-
standing the advantages already mentioned,
and perhaps many have escaped my notice,
it must be contest that the town labours un-
der several considerable disadvantages. The
first that offers, I mention with submission,
is the great tract of land called the dry
land, to the westward of the town. This
with another tract adjoining the town
to the Northward, being all together
about 20,000 acres, is almost the only
part of the country that, by its nearness to
the town, were it settled and improved,
could conveniently and readily afford a
constant snpply of provisions of all kinds,
especially the smaller kinds which would
not be so convenient for persons who live
more remote to furnish. To the westward
and northward of the dry land are the Mo-
ravian settlements, about eleven miles from
the town. These settlements are not only
of no advantage, but rather a great disad-
vantage to the town. For being an entire
and seDarate interest by themselves, corres-
ponding with only one another where they
can possibly avoid it, except where the ad-
vantage is evidently in their favour, it can't
be expected that the town should nap any
benefit from them. Besides, as they have
not hitherto raised, and as their number is
continually increasing by the yearly addi-
tion of foreigners, it. is not likely that they
will, in time to come, raise sufficient pro-
vision for themselves, but are obliged
to purchase great quantities from i h-ir
neighbours, who would otherwise brine it to
the town, but this is not to be expected
while they can dispose of what they have to
sell so much nearer home. And this leads
me to wish, for the good of Easton, if the
honorable the proprietaries should incline
to have the dry lands improved, that it may
not be disposed of to the Moravians. Not be-
cause they are Moravians, but because their
interest interferes ro much with the interest
of the town. If the dry lands should be
Settled chiefly by them, the master bretheru
would have, the whole direction and disposal
of all that should be raised there. Which
would be more discouraging and wor-e to
the town, than if that land were not inhabit-
ed at all. For so long as it remains uncul-
tivated, it will serve lor range to the town
cattle. Between the town and the mountains,
which is about 10 miles, is mostly poor
land, and but thin settled. The other side
of the mountain consists chiefly of new set-
tlements, except the Minisinks and
some other plantations near the river.
But very probably in the time
they will contribute to the advance-
ment and Trade of the Town. On the South
Side of the West Branch, the Country is the
most and bejt settled, except near the Town,
where the Land is very hiiiy and stony.
Upon the whole, the Town has hitherto been
very well supplied with Meal. Pork, Mutton.
Butter. Turnips, &c. But how it will be sup-
plied with Hay and Pasturage, I can't yet
yet clearly foresee. 1 mean if the Town in-
creases, as I am in great hopes it will. For
this winter. I think we are pretty well pro-
vided. However, this leads me tc mention
Out ijots, which will be more particularly
wanted here than at any of the other new
County Towns, as they are all of them much
better accommodated with Meadow Ground,
near about them, than this Town is. If I
might presume to speak my Opinion, and I
know you expect I should, if J speak at all.
I could wish that a sufficient Quantity of the
dry Lands might be appropriated for Out
Lots, and that all the Rest were to be settled
and improved, and that, by Dutch People:
altho' they were of the poorest sort of them.
I don't mention Dutch People from any
particular regnrd that 1 have for them more
than any other People. But because they
are generally more laborious and conform-
able to their circumstances, than some
others amongst us are. I tired not say who
they arp, but it is an old observation, that
noor Gentle Folks don't always prove the
fittest to begin new Places, where Labour is
chiefly wanted.
I can't hear of any considerable Body of
Clay for making Bricks or Potters Work,
upon any of the Proprietary's land near the
Town, but upon the 500 Acre Tract wbi^h
was surveyed for Mr. Thomas Craig, near
the Town. I am told there is very good Clav,
both for a Potter and Brickmaker. The 500
acres belones now to one Correy, in Che-ter
County, I wrote to jou about it very largely
in a former Letter. There is now eleven
Families in Easton, who all propose to stay
there this Winter. And when our Prison is
finished, which there is Hopes it soon will be,
119
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
ns it is now covered in. there i3 great Prob-
ability that tlv^ number will encr-a=o before
the Spring. I am, Sir, Your obedient, hnm-
bJo Servant, Wm Pabs< ns.
Iddowerl— '*Oopj Wm. Parson's letter toR.
P. about Eastou of the 8 peer, 1852. Orig-
inal sent lo Propr. Cann Browne, in Lro, of
mine, the 15th Deer, 1752."
An Old-Time Masonic Record.
[Montrose Republican.]
In a record which has been preserved of
the old Rising Sun Lodge, No. 149, the first
Masonic Lodge ever known in Montrose,
instituted about 1810, is to be found the
proceeding of a regular stated meeting, held
in the old court house, May 80, 1825, at
which the following were the officers and
brethren present. Of all these not one is
now living, excepting the one who wa-> made
a member at that meeting, it being some
three weeks after he became of age; and he
happens to be the last one who was initiated
in that lodge previous to its being disband-
ed; though his name may be found as Junior
Warden among the charter members of
Warren Lodge, No. 240, instituted in 1849,
and now existing here.
Among 'hese departed brethren may be
seen the names of the old centenarian Lu-
ther Catlin, who died some two years ago,
at the age of a little over a hundred years,
and of Dr. Horace Smith, the last survivor
of them, who left us last June, aged 87.
Officers of the "Rising Sun Lodge," No.
149" — Perez Perkins, \V. master; Dr. Samuel
A. Bissell, S. warden: Wm. C. Turrell, J.
warden; Horace Smith, treasurer: Hiram
Finch, secretary; Harry Clark, S. D . ; Hiram
Plum, J. D.: Jabez A. Burchard. tyier.
Members present — Jernes Lathrop, Ira
Gage, David (). Turrell, David Bissel, Eras-
tus Catlin, Luther Catlin, Asa Olmstead,
Daniel Curtis, Dr. Mason Denison, George
Claggett, Henry Parke.
Accepted and initiated— James W. Chap-
man.
Visitors—Charles R. Marsh. Jesse Bagley,
Peter Osborn, Isaiah Main, James Stephens,
Benoni Austin, John Passmore.
Many of the readers of the Republican will
recognize in the now sole survivor of the
above, the old surveyor, the editor of forty
or fifty years ago, more recently known as
County Jud^e; and they may perhaps be
interested to know that he is yet quite vigor-
ous and active, though now in his 8Cd year,
walks plum, performs on the level and square
with his compass, and can follow ancient
land-marks, or solve a mathematical prob-
lem as well as ever: and withal is vivacious
enough to appreciate a good joke or tell a
good story, if required.
Wyoming I'Joneerw \i\ Binghamton.
In a rare volume, "Annals of Bingham-
ton," published at that place in 1840, by J.
B. Wilkinson, (a copy of which is in the
possession of W. A. Wilcox, E-q., Wyoming)
are numerous references to Wyoming and
its people. Condensed, they are as follows:
First white settlor, Capt. Joseph Leonard,
moved from Wyoming 1787. Left on ac
count of land disputes. Was a farmer at
Wjomincr, at time of massacre.
Reference to one Cole, early settler near
Binghamton. Very inhuman — said to ruive
had part in leading the Indians against
Wyoming aud Mini-ink.
Tom Hill, a pauper, also encaged in mas-
sacre. Said to have married Qaeen Esther.
Flour brought up iu canoes from Wyoming.
In 1780 Jonathan Fitch, of Wyoming,
merchant and r-heriff there, settled near
Binghamton. Was first representative from
Tio^a in Legislature.
Cant. Brink came from Wyoming. Lost
all by the great ice freshet. Was one of
Plunkett's men.
Moses Chambers settled 1700. Came
from Wyoming, was a sufferer bj ice freshet.
His father moved from Wyoming to Bing-
hamton with his three sons.
Narrative of Mrs. Elisha Matthewson, a
prisoner at Wyoming, aud her escape.
Settlers between Wellsbnrgh and Elmira:
Libbeus Tnbbs, Rufus Baldwin, Wm.
Jenkins, Libbeus Hammond, of Wyoming.
Hammond's narrative.
Below Wellsbnrgh, Eldor John Goff, the
first minister of that region — a Baptist.
Came from Wyoming aud settled on Che-
mung Flats in 1780.
First settler at Elmira, Col. John Handy.
Was from Wyoming.
Judge Gore and Gen. Spalding rented the
tauds lying between the Pennsylvania line
on the south, the pre-emption line vm the
west, the two lakes on the north, and the
Chemung narrows on the east, for 9.9 years.
Philip Wells came from Wyoming. Also
Henry Richards.
Probably Our Oldest Subscriber.
Lock Haven, Pa., March 18, 1S87.—
Editor Record or the Times: Please
find enclosed one dollar, payment for the
Weekly Record for a no t he r year's sub-
scription, for I can't do without it. This
being the fiftieth year of my subscription.
I hope to make it a half century.
D. B. Poland.
TMr. Poland is a manufacturer and whole-
sale dealer in foreign fruits, nuts, etc. If
there is any one on our li-t who took the
Hecokd as loug ago as 1837 we shall be
glad to mentiou the fact in these columns.
Ed.]
THE HISlOlilCAL RECORD.
113
MIS YAKIXGTQN'S LIST,
gome of \h(. Descendants of the Wllkes-
IJarre Uusiness Men of 1818— Some In-
teresticift Facts.
[In the last issue of the Historical Record
appeared an article by Dilton Yarington, of
Carbondale, giving a list of about 250 citi-
zens of Wilkcs-Barre in 1818, together with
their occupations. The list, which was prepar-
ed in 18t>8 from memory, was reprinted from
tlie\Vi;t;KLY Recokd of that year. The append-
ed communication has re* erence to the Jiv-
ing descendants of the people induced by
Mr. Yarington in his list. — Ed.]
Editok Record: I have read with consid-
erable interest your list of names of the
business men of Wilkes- Barre in 1818, as
given by Esauiro Yarington, and as a sort
of continuation of the same subject, here-
with send you the names of a few of the de-
scendants, Call living unless otherwise speci-
fied) together with some" facts in regard to
their subsequent history as I remember them:
Philip Abbott was the father of Philip Ab-
bott, now of St. Paul, Minn.
H. C. Anhiser, father of Joseph Anhiser
and Mrs. E. Koerner.
Ziba Bennett, father of George S. Bennett
and Mrs. J. C. Phelps.
John L. Butler, father of Mrs. Judge Wood-
ward and Frank Butler.
Steuben Butler, father of C. E. Butler, Mrs.
Alex. Shiras and the late Wm. H. Butler.
Pierce Butler, father of Pierce Butler, of
Carbondale, and Mrs. Mary Reynolds, of
Kingston.
Zebulon Butler, father of sons and daugh-
ters, none living here.
Jonathan Bulkeley, father of C. L. Bulkeley
and Mrs. A. R. Brundage.
Anthony Brower, father of Mrs. Alderman
W. S. Parsons.
Isaac Bowman, father of Col. Sam and
Miss Mary Bowman.
Andrew Beaumont, father of Coi. E. B.
Beaumont, U. S. A., and Mrs. Julia Gion-
inger, of Lebanon.
Job Barton, father of C. P. Barton, Leh-
man.
Qristus Collins, father of Rev. Charles
Jewett Collins.
George Chahoon, father of Miss Ann Cha-
hoon and Mrs. Josiah Lewis.
Anning (). Chahoon, father of Joseph Slo-
cum Chahoon.
Daniel Collings, father of Mrs. Julia
Dougherty. Mrs. J. N. Davidson and Miss
Eliza Colhugs.
Henry Colt, father of Henry Colt, Allen-
town.
Isaac A. Chapman, father of C. I. A. Chap-
man, Pittston.
Jacob Cist, father of Mrs. H. Wright and
Mrs. A. T. McClintock.
Erancis Dana, father of Mrs. J. R. Cool-
baugh and Mrs. Wm. T. Rhoads.
Bateman Downing, father of Reuben
Downing.
J. 5. Dennis, lather of Capt. J. P. Dennis.
John Davis, father of John and tin- late
Mary Ann Davis.
James Ely, father of Thomas Ely, Kings-
ton.
George Haines, father of Mrs. V. L. Max-
well.
James Hancock, father of Maj. E. A., of
Philadelphia, and D. P. Hancock, of Peoria,
Ills.
George Hotchkiss, father of Mrs. T. W.
Robinson.
Dr. L. W. Jones, father of Mrs. Thomas
Wilson.
J. P. Johnson, father of Wiiliam P. John-
son, of Dallas, and Wesley Johnson, of this
city.
John Jameson, father of Mrs. E. B. Col-
lings and Mrs. John Chahoon.
Amasa Jones, father of Joel and Joseph
Jones, of Philadelphia.
Lewis Ketcham, father of the late W. W.
Ketcham.
Gilbert Laird, father of J. D. Laird, Glover
Laird and Mrs. Joseph Easterline.
Josiah Lewis, father of Josiah Lewis.
H. F. Lamb, father of Miss Mary Lamb.
Peter P. Loop, father of Edward Sterling
and John Millard Loop.
Charles M.ner, father of Wm. P. Miner
and Mrs. Jesse Thomas.
Samuel MarTet, father of Wm. R. Maffet.
Simon Monega, father of C. B. Monega
and Mrs. P. R. Johnson.
Benjamin Perry, father of Misses JL-erry,
Northampton Street.
Archippus Parrish, father of Chas. and G.
H. Parrish and Mrs. F. W. Hunt.
Joseph Slocum, father of Mrs. Abi Butler.
Geo. Sively, father of Mrs. Judge Pfouts.
Abram Thomas, father of Mrs. Washing-
ton Lee.
E. Taylor, father of John, Thomas and
Edmund Taylor and Mrs. E. H. Chase.
Phineas Waller, father of Rev. David J.
Waller, Bloomsburg.
Luther Yarinston, father of Thomas O.
Yarington, Reading.
Pet°r Yarington, father of Dilton Yaring-
ton, Carbondale.
John P. Arndt removed with his family to
Green Bay, Wisconsi , at an early day and
left no descendants here, but he and his sous
were men of mark in the pioneer days of the
Territory. One son was drowned in the
Susquehanna before he left H ilkes-Barre
and another was shot dead by a fellow mem-
ber on the floor of the Territorial Legislature
of Wisconsin. Amasa Jones, father of Joel
and Joseph Jones, had lost a leg, and as
they had no cork legs in those days lie walk-
Ill
THE HISTORICAL RECORH
ed about with a wooden one, nnd always ap-
peared on the street 10 a (lowing calico
wrapper. The boys called him "Peg Leg
Jones;" his business was that of making
brooms and distilling pyroligneous acid,
which was calif] "essence ot smoke," in
common parlance. It was used for flavor-
ing hams, dried beef, etc., by sprinkling a
few drops on the slices instead 'of smoking
the meat in the usual way. The son Joel
became a distinguished judge of the Dis-
trict Court of Philadelphia, while Joseph a
Presbyterian divine of high repute, preach-
ed the word of God in the old Oth Cnurch on
Pine Street for many years.
Jesse Fell was proprietor of an ancient
hostelry on Northampton Street still known
as the ''Old Fell House." It was here Lodge
No. 01, F. & A. M., held its initiato y com-
munication in or about the year 1794; and
it was here also that the feasibility of burn-
ing anthracite coal in an open grate was
first demons rated in lbOT.
The Moses Wood mentioned was an Eng-
lishman by birth and brought with him to
this country a considerable amount of Eng-
lish gold and a large family of sons and
daughters, now all dead I think except Isaa^
Wood, of Trenton, N.J. JohnG. and George
B. Wood, of this city, are grandsons of
Moses.
It is said that Mrs. President Garfield
is a granddaughter of Jacob Rudolph.
There are no sous or daughters of David
Scott now living, but E. Greenough Scott,
Esq., and Rev. Charles H. Kidder are grand-
sons of the judge.
Georse Uenison had two sons, Henry M.
and George: one of them, an Episcopal
elergymau, married a daughter of President
John Tyler. Ralph D. Lacoe, of Pittston,
is a grandson of Francis Da Pr.y.
Gen. E. L. Dana is a grandson of Ander-
son Dana.
Joseph Davis was never married, he be-
came insane and shot and killed a man
named Diebei on Hazle Street; was ac-
quitted on the ground of insanity and spent
tno remainder of his days in an insane
asylum.
Burnet Ulp was grandfather of the Misses
Alexander, of River Street. Gilbert Barnes
was grandfather of Stewart L. and Albert
Barnes, conrt crier.
Abrarn Pike was the father of Hannah
Porter who several years ago was accident-
ally shot in the hand and arm by a then
young member of the bar while gunning for
pquirrels in the timber growing along the
river in the Kingston side, opposite this city.
Joshua Miner was grandfather of Dr. J. L.
Miner, of this city.
Dr. GW. Trott was grandfather of Judge
Stanley Woodward.
It is not to be presumed that the parties
who«e names aro mentioned in the list all
lived wi'hiu our present city limits. Wilkes-
Barre at that time extended from Hanover
on the south, to Pittston on the north, and
the occupation of the major portion of per-
sons named was farming. Enquire Yarmg-
ton is undoubtedly correct so far as his list
extends, but it seems to me that he has lett a
wide gap in the upper part of Wilkes-Barre
Township. My memory does Dot go back
as far as 181^ by several years, but I know
many old citizens who must have lived there
at that time whose names are not on the li-t.
For instance, there was Benjamin Court right,
farmer, father of John M., and James
Oourtright, of this city. '-Uncle Fritz
Wagner," farmer, and next to him James
Stark, farmer and merchant, father of Henry
and John M. Stark, of West Pittston: John
Stark on Mill Creek, farmer, father of John
Stark, Mrs. G. M. Miller and Mrs.
O. A. Parsons Cornelius Stark, father
of Col. B. F. Stark, of this cit\: Crandall
Wilcox, farmer who owned the place, after-
wards property of John Searl, and bis son
Samuel Wilcox, who worked the mines at
Mill Creek slope: Thomas Williams farmer,
who owned the now John Mitchell place, and
his soiiS Thomas, Ezra, and George
W. Williams: Thomas Osborne,
laborer, Punkin Hollow, great
grandfather of the Misses Wil-
doner of this cify: Stephen Abbott farmer
and his son John Abbott, father of the
Misses Cassie and Lucy Abbott of this city,
Benjamin Failey, tanner and currier
at the Corners: Cornelius orCa=e Courtri^ht
shoemaker, Hiram Post, laborer, Thoma,
Josiyn iabo<"er, whose son Thomas was the
first man killed in the mines in this co^l
region: Thomas Woolley, farmer who rai-ed
a large family of sons and daughters:
Matthias Holhnback miller. "Crazy Matt"
so-called, as his mental infirmity required
that he be retrained of hi- liberty for many
years previous to his death: George Dickover
mason and plasterer, father of William Dick-
over of this city: Hezekiah Parson? of
Laurel Run. farmer and manufacturer,
father of Calvin Par-nn-, and Stephen
Gould, father of the Goulds who were active
bnsiuess ™en on the Lehigh, lived on the
back road obove Mr. Parsons' piace. and
others probably as the upper portion of
Wilkes-Barre was well settled at that time.
w. J.
Fi£lity-ttight Years Old
The Pittston f,Vi.^/^?ay? that Hon. D. S.
Koon and daughters and Mrs. C. E. Bennett
left for Tunkhannock. where they were to
celebrate i he £Sth birthday of Mrs Koon's
sister, Mrs. Maria Swartz. on March 137
All the othe/ members of the family were
expected to be present, including relatives
from Scrantou and Wilkes-Barre.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Hi
DEATH OF JOSEPH BKOWN.
The Kx-IJsuiker Pauses Quietly Away A Hit
an Illness of Lc-ss Than a Week's
Diirat.on,
The familiar form of Joseph Broun will
no longer be seen on our streets, The
Rkcokd had announced that Mr. Brown
was indisposed and confined to his hv>use,
but, no one. outside of his family and a few
intimate friends, suppo-ed that he was seri-
ously ill. On March 10 he complained of
feeling unwell, but attended to business the
same as usual. On Monday March 21 he cold
his wife that he was feeling much better aid
went up to his oiiice. Iu the evening, after
returning to his rtome. he was seized with a
violent pain in the region of the heart and
fainted away. His family were greatly
alarmed. Dr. Mayer was summoned
in haste and up^n bin arrival lound
Mr. Brown in an unconscious state with
the pube beating at 160. On Tuesday the
patient seemed to rally a little, but Dr.
Mayer saw the case was hopeiess. The heart
had refused to doit? work. There were also
indications of pneumonia, but not of a dan-
gerous character. Mr. Brown continued 10
eink slowly until five minutes of seven last
Thursday when death relieved him of his suf
fenngs. He was surrounded by his family
and a few immediate friends.
Seventy-one years ago, the second day of
March, Joseph Brown first saw the light
of day in a little town in the north of Ire-
land. At the early pge of 20 he bade fare-
well to home and friends and set sail for
America to make his fortune. Like a
great many others of his class
youns Brown did not find the road to for-
tune and fame in the new country a very
smooth one, but ho was possessed of an
indomitable perseverance, backed with a de-
termination that he must succeed. To this
is due his success in after life. In 1838 the
poor boy from the north of Ireland was
earniuEr a dollar a day in a coal mine at
Snmmit Hill. Carbon County. He was one
of the few laborers of that early day who
could read and write and his services were
always iu demand by his lers fortunate co-
laborers who were wont to communicate
with their friends in the old country. As a
letter writer he was a greac success and it is
unnecessary to say that his ser-
vices did not go unrewarded. Af-
ter a year or so spent in
the mines Mr. Brown went boating on the
Lehigh Canal, running betwteu Maueh
Chunk and Philadelphia. He did not like
this occupation, however, and in 1810 or
thereabouts he removed to Wilkes-Barre.
For two or three years he lived with John
McCarragher and then went into the lumber
business in paitnership with John Faser.
The firm prospered and Mr. Brown saved his
money. Thinking there was more money in
the grocery than the lumber business, the
new firm of Brown & Wilson was formed,
who conducted a pen oral mercantile busi-
ness on West Market Street, where the
Brown bank building now stands. Mr.
Brown always thought he would make a suc-
cessful banker, and with this object in view
he associated himself with Alex. McLean,
Alex. Gray, Johu Faser, Thomas Wilsuu, F.
YV. Hunt and others in the incorporation of
the First National Bank of this city, which
is to day one of the soundest institutions of
the kind iu the State. Afterwards Mr.
Brown, iu company with Alexander Gray.
went into the private banking business. The
bank was successful until the downfall of the
New York banking firm of Henry Clews &
(Jo., with whom Brown's bank had large
dealings. This was in 1873, the bank losing
S52.000 with Clews. 83,00') with Ja/ Cooke
& Co., and 87.000 with, the Union Banking
Co. of Philadelphia, in all about $63,000.
Mr. Brown endeavored to bear up under
this misfortune arid succeeded in doing so
for five years, haying made a settlement
with his creditors. The pressure finally
proved too strong, and on May 10, 187c the
bank again closed it-- doors, never to open
them again. Abram II. Reynolds was made
assignee. The net liabilities wer« about
8145,000, and the net assets ahout S96.000.
For a time there was great indignation, but
the sequel showed that Mr. Brown had not
failed rich but was a poor man. Mr. Brown
then went into the real estate bus.ness, in
which he was engaged up to the time of his
death.
Mr. Brown was blessed with a geniality of
soul that, in spite of Ids financial mi-for-
tunes, made a host of friends for him. He
was a good citizen, a kind husband and a
loving father.
In 1850 deceased married Miss Annie
Gray, daughter of Alex. Gray, of this city,
and eight chddren were the result of the
union, only three of whom survive — Alex.
G.. who is engaged iu the seed business in
Pniladelphia, and Miss Emma and Miss
Edith, who re-ide at home. Matthew Brown,
a brother of the ex-banker, is engaged in
farming in thy vicinitv of Harvey's Lake.
Two other brothers, John and James, re-ide
iu Mi-souri, the former being a minister of
the rrospei. Mr. Brown was a Republican in
politics and a member of Memorial Church.
All that was mortal of the late Joseph
Brown was laid away in Hellenback Ceme-
tery Monday, March 28. A lar^e number
of friends met at the family residence, in-
cluding a notable number of old citizens,
decea.-ed having been a resident of Wilkes-
Barre for 50 years. The services were con-
ducted by Rev. C. R. Gregory, pastor of de-
11(5
THE HISTORICAL UECOJlh.
ceased, assisted by Rev. Dr. Hodge and
Rev. Dr.Parke. The pall bearers were VV.
W. Loomis, VV. S. Parsons, T. J. Chase, B.
(x. Carpenter, Isaiah M. Leach, and Samuel
Roberts. ___ _____
Christian Conrad's Fat«*l Injury.
On March 1<>, Christian Conrad, a well-
known miner of this city, F>2 years of
age, was injured by a fall of top rock
in the Hollenback, from the effects of
which he died March 29, after an amount
of suffering that must have made death wel-
come. His hip was fractured and there were
extensive internal injuries. Mr. Conrad
came to Wilkes-Barre from Germany in
1855, since which time he held several
responsible positions as miae boss — at the
old Landmesser breaker, the Newport
breaker, the Empire and the Mocanaqna. It
was during his term at the latter mine that
the frightful disaster of year before last oc-
curred, he being charged with the responsi-
bility therafor, tried and convicted. The
penalty was a $50 fine, winch his friends
allege was paid by others who were equally
responsible witti him, but who were so fortu-
nate a? to escape arrest. Mr. Conrad married
iu Wilkes Barre but his wife, a Mrs. Loch,
died 12 years ago. He is survived by 6
children, all adults except one. A eon,
Christian, is a barber in Plymouth. Philip
Conrad, of Ashley, Nicholas and Peter, of
Wilkes-Barre, are brothers, and Mrs. Spen-
dler, of this city is a sister. Funeral Thurs-
day at 3 Horn the family residence on Ross
Street.
A Tailor's Long- Life Ended.
For more than a third of a century there
has been a merchant tailor in our midst.
and he followed his trade for a even a longer
period before coming here. Hi' name was
Henry Christian Engelke. aTid he died of
paralysis on Tuesday, March 29. Mr Eogelke
was born in Hanover, Germany, in June,
1802, coming to America and settling in
Wilkes-Barre in 185:2. He married a Mrs,
Knsctike, and for many years wasin the tail-
oring business with Iter two sons, under the
firm name of Eugelke & Kuschke. His sec-
ond wife was Mary Band, who survives him.
He had no children by either marriage. He
has always been a diligent worker, attend-
ing strictly to business, and was engaged at
his trade up to the day of his prostration, on
Friday last. He passed out of life quietly
arid peacefully. He was of quiet demeanor
and an excellent and substantial citizen. He
was an Odd Fellow, both of subordinate
lodge and encampment, and wa* a member
of the German Lutheran Church. He had no
relatives in America. Funeral Sunday at li
from his late residence, 72 South River
Street.
An Aged I. July's Death.
Our townsman, Joseph Birkbeck, met
with a bereavement on March 30, in the
death of his mother, at Freehand. From the
Progress we glean the following facte:
Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson Birkbeck passed
peacefully unto her eternal re-t. at the ripe
age of 8o years, 1 month and 18 days. De-
ceased was born at Buck Hill-, Stainmoor,
near Brough, England, Feb. 12. 1804. Came
to America with her husband, Joseph, in
184-1. Finally located in Sonth Hebertou,
where they built a house in 1800, in the cen-
trre of 400 acres. Mr. Birkbeck made the
firot clearing, built the first house and raised
the first crop in South Hebarton. Soon after
her residence in the then wilderness, she per-
ceived a deer coming over the hill, Wtiich had
been worried by dog*: the deer seeing her
made a direct line for her persou, when
she grasped an axe and killed it, by first
breaking its frout legs and then cutting it*
throat. Her husband, who was engaged as a
miner, prospector and farmer, died some
years .ago. after placing hi* wife in indeed
well-to-do circumstances. The fruits of their
marriage were thirteen children, three of
whom survive them: Joseph, real estate
agent and broker at Wilkes-Barre: Thomas,
real estate ag^nt and drover; and Mrs. Wm.
Johnson, both of this place.
A Rridj;e, Contractor I>ea<1.
William Best died at hi* home iu Kings-
ton March 30 at 7 o'clock, at the age of
70. He had been a sufferer some \ears from
rheumatism, and a year ago his health failed
entirely, confining him to the house aimost
constantly. A week ago pneumonia Set
inand his collapse speedily followed.
Mr. Best is survived by his wife, but with
him his own family disappears, his only re-
maini.ua brother having died a few months
ago at L'tica, their birthplace. Mr. Best was
a bridge contractor and builder, and in hi*
prime wa* a man of note. in this line of in-
dustry. His first connection hereabouts was
with trie budding of bridges on the northern
division of the D. L & VV. RR . then
known as theLeggett's Creek RR. In simi-
lar catvicity he was connected with the south-
em division of the same road, and later be-
came bridge builder aud master earp-nter of
the Lackawanna & Bloom*burg Rft , iu
which capacity he c mtmued while his health
held out. Some year* since when, on cer-
tain account, the ijuestion was raised as to the
stability of the Wilkes-Barre bridge, he was
one of a committee who rxade a thorough
examination and report respecting it. While
able, after retiring trom the railroad, he car-
ried on the picture frame business m K'ugs.
too. He wa* a consistent member of the
M. E. Church, and iu all re*pects a good
citizen.
■ "- ■ ■rwmw
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
117
THE FINCH FAMILY RE-UNION.
A Woman who Han Lived in tho Same
House for Sixty-nine Years— Remarka-
ble Instances of Longevity.
[Carbondale Leader.]
Tne homo of Philip and Fannie Felts, in
Greenfield Tottttship, Lackawanna County,
was made joyous on Tuesday, Feb. 1, by a
family gathering to celebrate the ninetieth
birthday of Mrs. Fanny Spencer, who is
keeping house on the old homestead where
she first commenced after her marriage in
1818.
Fanny Spencer was; born Feb. 1, 1707, in
Pittston Township, Luzerne County. She
came into Greenfield with her father, I*aac
Finch, in 1^10, was married to Leonard
Spencer in 1818; commenced house-Keeping
ou the farm on which she now resides,
was the mother of eight children, of
which six are now living; grand-chil-
dren thirty-seven, .now living twenty-
six; great grandchildren fifty-four, now liv-
ing lorty-iive. The oldest great grandchild
is nearly twenty-four years old and married.
She says the first Methodist meeting held in
Greenfield (which then included Scott), was
held in their house by Rev. Silas Comfort,
about 1831. About six years after.she united
with the Mi E. Church and from that time
until the present her house has ever been a
welcome home for the itinerant.
Her fathers family is remarkable for lon-
gevity, perhaps without a parallel in the
county. Her father, Isaac Fmch, was born
in Plains Township, Luzerne County, Feb.
25. 1703, narried Sarah Tompkins. Oct. 19.
1793. moved into Greenfield in 1809 and
died March 10, 1818, being 85. years old.
They had ten children, four of whom are still
living. Isaac Finch the second,' better known
as Captain Finch ) was born Nov. 20, 1798;
died April 14, 1800, being seventy-one years
old. Nathaniel Fmch was bom Feb. 3, 1792:
died June 20, 188-1, being ninety-two ypars
o'd. John G. Finch was born May 19. 1794;
died Jan. 1(3, 1886. being ninety-two years
Old. When quite an aged man he said that
whiskey had become so poor and poisonous
he would drink no more of it. At the age of
eighty he gave up the use of tobacco which
resolution he kept the remainder of his hie.
Fanny Spencer nee Finch, was born Feb. 7,
1797, she i* still living being ninety years
old. Carpenter Finch was born Nov. 21,
1799: emigrated West: his whereabouts not
known: if living, eighty-seven years old.
Juli* Foster nee Finch, wa* born April 23,
1802: died July 20, 1831, being twenty-nine
years old. L^vina Benson nee Finch, was
born March 18, 1805, is living; eighty-one
years old.
Sally Marson, nee Finch, was born May 4,
1808; living, being 79 years old. Solomon
Finch (better known as Deacon Finch; was
born November 4, 1810, died September 24,
1880. being 70 years old. Polly Whipple.
hce Fmch, was born July 5, 1813, is living
being 74 years old. Supposing that Carpen-
ter Finch is living, the united ages of ten
children with their parents would be 939
years. The average duration of life of each
family is 78 years and 3 mouths.
A Former Wilkes-Darreail Dead.
[Owego, (N. Y.) Gazette.]
John S. Madden died at his residence in
the town of Windham, Pa., near Nichols,
March 22. Mr. Madden was born in Limer-
ick, Ireland, June 14, 1800, and came to
America in May, 1831, going to Sdver Lake,
Susquehauna County, Pa., where he resided
two years. He removed thence to Wilkes-
Barre, where he remained until 1844, when
he came to Warren, Bradford County, and
purchased a farm. Two years after he sold
his farm and removed to vVindham Centre,
where he resided until his death. In 1846,
he purchased a farm of 210 acres and built
a saw mill and grist mill, and afterward
a tannery. His buildings were destroyed
by fire three times, the last time fifteen
years ago, and were not rebuilt. Mr. Mad-
den accumulated a handsome property, but
lost largely m the failure of the Eureka
Mowing Machine Manufacturing Co.,
at Towanda a few years ago. He was a man
of great energy and public spirit. He was
president of the projected Bradford railroad,
and labored long and actively to secure its
construction. He was a prominent Demo-
crat. He leaves a wife, two sons and four
daughters.
Death of au Aeed Luzerne Countian.
James Ross, a well-known citizen of Dal-
las, died at his home on March 27, aged 93
years. Mr. Ross was one of the first settlers
in Dallas, and had lived there during almost
his entire life, as a farmer. Death was not
unexpected, as he had been sinking gradu-
ally, ocing to his advanced age, for a year
or more.
Deceased leaves six children, all but one
being married. The oldest. Shaver Ross, is
living in Iowa; Samuel still lives in Dallas
with his father, and Sterling, the third son,
resides also at home, being still unmarried.
Of the daughter. Luciuda lives m Kansas,
the wife of Elam Honeywell: Elizabeth mar-
ried Mr. Pinkman and lives in New York
State, and Margaret is the wife of William
Moore, living in Kansas.
James Ross was a native of Luzerne
County, and has never lived outside its
bounds since his birth in 1794. Funeral
Tuesday at 2 pm. at Carverton.
- '
118
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
The Late Win. S. Davis.
The Danville American mentions the at-
tendance upon the funeral of the late Win.
S. Davis, in that place, of Daniel Edwards
and Rev. T. C. Edwards, of Kingston. The
American says:
Early on Monday morning, March 21, W,
S. Davis departed this life in the 78th year
of his age. Mr. Davis was born in Glam-
morganshire, South Wales, in 1809. He
emigrated to this country in 1830 and
settled in Pottsville. In 185b he came to
Danville and for the past thirty years has
resided hore, following his occupation, that
of a miner, excepting the last e*ght years,
when his age compelled him to seek less
arduous tasus. Ho had been a-sisting his
son, Wm. C. Davis, until the infirmities of
old age took a strong hold on him. resulting
in his death on last Monday morning alter
a short illness: Mr. Davis was a good citi-
zen and beloved by all his acquaintances.
His wife died some sixteen years ago. He
leaves two sons to mourn his loss, W. C.
Davis, of this place, and Daniel 8. Davis,
of Kingston.
Twenty-Five Years in Town.
II was just 25 years ago Monday that our
townsman, 11. H. Derr came to Wilkes-
Barre, and in conversation with him on Sat-
urday relative to this quarter-centennial,
Mr. Derr said it was remarkable what ad-
vancement Wiikes-Barre had made in that
space of time. This advancement is in
territorial area, in population, in railroa i
facilities and in the value of real estate. At
that date, March 23, 1SG2, Mr. D^ir came
into town alone and on foot. Instead of
being the important railroad centre that it
now is, making it one of the most advant-
ageously located business points in the
country, it had only one road, the Lehigh &
Susquehanna, which had a depot at the
lower end of Main Street and hois en a few
passengers up the Ashley planes. But even
this means of exit was suspended
in the winter season. Tne only out-
let north was via the Lackawanna & Blooms-
burg road at Kingston. Mr. Derr says his
brother, Thompson, had preceded him some
six years and that the day after his ( H. H.
Derr's) arrival the two brothers walked to
Pittstou and back, in the absence of any
railroad. Thai year the insurance firm of
'I hompson Derr A' Bro. was formed, though
the business was not extensive enough to re-
quire an office until October, when a lease
was made with Ziba Bennett fur the rooms
over what is now the Adams Express. These
rooms were occupied for lb* years. The
business, no louder local, but comprising
State agencies, now requires a force of 1-1 in
the Wilkes-Barre office, and 150 throughout
the State.
At that date Wilkes-Barre had a popula-
tion of about 4,000— now it is estimated to
have 'I'). 000. The borough extended from
North Street to a short distance below It-;.-.-,
and from the liver to the old canal, where
now stands the Lehigh Valley RR. depot.
Not only has the population been multi-
plied by 10. but the value of real estate has
advanced, fully as much if not more. Mr.
Derr says he was offered in 18'vi the prop-
erty on Pablic Square where Isaac Long's
store is now located, at £75 a foot front.
Property on Public Square to-day is worth
81,000 a foot.
The boroueh of that day ha= become a
populous city and has added suburb after
suburb until scarcely a trace of old Wilkes-
Barre is discoverable. The latest addition
is that being made by Mr. Derr himself,
whose recent purchase of 40 acres the Con-
yugham farm in North Wilkes-Barre. wiil
throw hundreds of desirable building lots
into the market. Its proximity to the Le-
high Valley shops and the Sheldon axle
works, as well as its nearne-s to town, make
it particularly desirabl" for homes for work-
ingmen and already 200 lots have been sold,
some as low as S10 a front foot. It would
be interesting to know the value of this tract
25 years from now.
Mr. Derr came here without capital but
by industry he has become highly successful
in bu^mess. Besides this he has taken such
an interest in the development of the town
and the advancement of the interests of the
community that he has for many
years been an indispensable factor
in our local life. While he has achieved a
competency out of our people, he has always
spent hi* moiir-y here and in that way has
replaced everything he took out. His busi-
ness life has not been a parasitic one by
any means.
His host of friends will unite in cngratu-
latmg him on passioe the quarter century
post in his business life, with a satisfactory
record for ths pa-t and a bright outlook for
the future.
An Old Wilkes- K*irre IMitor.
[North Wales Record.]
Samuel R. Gordon, of North Wales, has in
his posse-sion an old copy of the Pennsyl-
vania Correspondent, published by Asher
Miner, in Doylestown. It is of the date of
September 15, 18:i3, and is interesting from
its antiquity. Asher Miner was the father
of Bucks County newspapers. He came
from Hartford, Connecticut, in 1S04, and
commenced the publication of the first
newspaper in that county that had a con-
tinued existence. The Correspondent was
the predecessor of the present Bucks County
Intelligencer.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
110
OLD TJ ME RIVER N AVJGA TI O N.
Interesting1 Reminiscence by taitlj 11.
Wi*lghtt KSq.~A Novel Rope that was
Ueed, all Knowledge of Whose Making
is now Lo:-t.
[Letter to the Editor. 1
In passing over the Lackawanna &
JBloomeburg RR., a certain point near the
Plymouth Academy always calls up reeo-
lections of the time when it was the scene
of busy enterprise. It might be entitled to
the appellation of a shipyard. There was
not its equal in the valley. It was trie point
of shipment of coal. Hero the Smith-,
pioneers in the traffic, constructed their
arks, on the side of an excavated basin, as I
remember it, three or four hundred feet
square. From the basin, a canal outlet led
to the river. This was a dry basin, until
filled by the back flow, in times of freshets.
The bottoms of the 'arks, ninety feet in
length, were first constructed, the lower side
uppermost. Then they were turned over,
and the sides and diamond shaped ends add-
ed. They were sometimes filled with coal
at ouce, awaiting the rising of the river, and
when afloat, towed into the stream. Four
men formed the crew. The pilot had charge
of the front oar; the steersman the hind one.
I had the honour, in my boyhood, of tak-
ing two voyages on coal arks. The excite-
ment of river navigation was very great in
going down to tide water. But the no-river
tramp, on foot, not so agreeable. Rat we
formed lively squads on the march, and
fouud abundant supplies of ham and eggs
at the taverns.
I have made the foregoing prefatory to
the notice of an implement in rive: naviga-
tion, which. I am disposed to think, was
original with the coal trade. It was the ark
rope, as then called, and one man enjoyed
the monopoly of its manufacture This
man's name was Lee. At. one time he owned
a valuable farm on the east side of the river,
near Shickshinny. A prevailing fever car-
ried off one of his children, lie denounced
the region as unfit to live in, sold out at a
sacrifice and moved to the western part of
our State. There, in a year's time, another
child died during the prevailance of a fatal
epidemic. He said this was mo^e than he
could stand, and pulled out for Ohio. Very
soon, in the new locality, he lost two more.
He swore vengeance against the Buckeye
region, and, bankrupted in means, came
back to Luzerne. With his antifebrile
conviction* in fall blast, he severed connec-
tion with the human race and squatted iu
the woods at the foot of the North Mountain,
back of Harvey's Lake, five miles from the
nearest neighbor. A difficult place, as ho
thought, for a fever to find out. lie put up
bis cabin on the margin of a small pond,
where bis inventive genius found scope in a
branch of manufacture, that came in and
went out with his own existence. In fact
it gave him local immortality. I don't know
of any other artificer, at least in that quarter
of tlio globe, who ever made a hawser a hun-
dred feet long and bi;j as a man's arm, out
of hickory sprints. A cable had need of
strength, required to stop a heavily freight-
ed ark in a swift current. But old Lee's ark
rope could do it.
These hawsers were brought by him, one
at a time, to Smith's basin, whore they each
brought a dollar or two. I more than once
saw the oid mountaineer arrive, with the
enormous rope wound round the body of a
ringboned Bucephalus and himself on top of
it. C E. Weight.
Doyle&town, March 28, 1887.
Wilcox Genealogical Data Wanted.
[Letter to iho Editor. J
Isaac and Crandal Wilcox, brothers, came
from Rhode Island to the Wyoming Valley
after 1772, escaped the massacre iu 1778
and returned to Rhode Island. Isaac there
married Nancy Newcomb, whor-e mother was
a Gardner, came again to Wyoming and a
few years later moved to Dutchess Connty,
New York, where he died in 1810. Crandal
came to Wyoming again about 1701. They
had a sister who married Daniel Rosekrans
and went to Ohio.
In 1702 Amos Wilcox, of Miuisink, con-
veyed to Isaac Wilcox, husbandman, and
Crandal Wilcox, blacksmith, land in Wilkes-
Barre Township.
Esen Wilcox in 1771 occupied land in
Pittston on his father Stephen's right. Esen
was killed in the battle.
Ehsha Wilcox sold to Ebenezer Marcy,
An^j. 1, 1773, his land in Pittston and took
up his residence in Putnam Township, on
the Tunkhannock. In 1778, on his way
down the river to warn the inhabitants at
Wyoming of the enemy's aoproach. he was
taken prisoner. What became of him?
Daniel Wilcox appears as one of the uran-
tees in the Indian Deed of Purchase 1754.
He waa from Connecticut.
How were Amos, Daniel, Ehsha and Esen
related to Isaac and Crandal. if at all?
Any information regarding these people is
desired by William A. ^Vilcox, Wyoming, Pa.
The newly organized Bucks County So-
ciety has had a seal cut. It is a fac simile
of the first seal of Bucks County. It is a
shield in the centre, with tne Penn circles
or balls across the middle. Above is the
tree branching forth, while on the sides
depending from the top of the shield are the
vines or branches. Around the edge is the
inscription "Bucks County Historical Soci-
ety—Incorporated 1835."
120
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Origin of the Union League.
Editor Rkcokd: This organization origi-
nated in Luzerne County, which fact, 1 gre-
BQmo, most of your readers are i;ot aware
of. Tho writer hereof and four others, then
members of the Luzerne Count? Executive
Committee, IS. P. Lougstreet, chairman,
were the initial members, the first who sub-
scribed to the obligations ot the League.
A man by the name of Hosea whs sent to
Harrisburg in February, 1862, conveying
from us letters of introduction and recom-
mendation to the Republican members of
the Pennsylvania Legislature, expressing a
hope that they would give the matter their
favorable consideration, that they would in-
troduce the League and get it started among
their constituents.
Democrats at Harrisburg suspected that
some movement antagonistical to their in-
terest was being inaugurated, and while
Hosea was absent in Philadelphia a day or
two, parties succeeded in gaining access to
his trunk and abstracted therefrom papers
relating to the secret workings of the
League: aiso our endorsements of the or-
ganization, which were published in the
Harrisburg Patriot and Union, and many-
other papers. The Patriot and Union was
curious to know who the endorsers of the
organization were, etc., and the Luzerne
Union, of Wilkes-Barre, responded by-
giving us all a raking down, calling the
writer a John Brown Abolitionist, which, at
that time, was about as approbnuus an epi-
thet, viewed from the Union's standpoint,
as could well be applied to a person.
Hosea, to whom reference has been made,
resided, I think, at Carbondale. He was
afterwards assistant provost marshal in
time of the war, and was shot and killed by
a deserter whom he was endeavoring to ar-
rest.
The Union League speedily grew from an
apparently obscure origin to national prom-
inence and importance. It is closely con-
nected with, in fact it comprises part of, the
history of the war of the Rebellion. It ren-
dered efficient aid to the party in power,
both during and subsequent to the war.
C. J. Baldwin.
Norwalk, 0., March 23, 1887.
The Organizers of the Union League.
A writer in the Leader takes exception
to the reminiscence furnished the Record
by Columbus J. Baldwin, of Norwalk, Q.,
relative to the organizing of the Union Leag-
ue, and in the course of the article says:
It is true that the organization originated
in Luzerne Co., but Hosea Caroenter, of
Scott township, who was sent to Harrisburg
with the important letters from the Luzerne
County Executive Committee, of which Mr.S.
B. Longstreet (a patriot who thought lie
could do more good by staying at home
ihan by going to war; was chairman, to tho
Pennsylvania Legislature. Carpenter was
a half-witted fellow, and died a natural death,
and therefore was not shot and killed by a
deserter he was endeavoring to arrest while
serving in the capacity of assistant provost
marshal. Mr. Baldwin who recalls this in-
teresting League reminiscence, was former-
ly a resident of Jackson township, subse-
quently ot this city and was at one time
Clerk of Courts of Luzerne. . He was a
bright, witty fellow, fully as patriotic as Mr
Lon street, tmd did considerable newspaper
[in the Recobd of tiik Times] writing un-
der thenom do plume of "Mountaieer."
A Former Beach Haven Lady Dead.
Mrs. Anna Seely, widow of Andrew Seely,
a well known resident of lower Luzerne
County, died on Monday, April 4, at the resi-
dence of her son-in-law, J. W. Drei-bach,
with whom she had lived for seven years.
She was sick only a few days a:;d death re-
seulted from pneumonia. Mrs. Sfely's
maiden name was Eenstermaeher, and she
was born in Salem Township 00 years ago.
Her husband, who W"s a farmer, died i-even
years ago. They had no children Mrs. Seely
is survived by three children from her first
marriage— Mrs. J, VV. Dreisbach and J. M.
Brymer, both of this city, and Mrs. Jo-eph-
ine Hendershot, of Kingston. Mrs. Jacob
Housenick, of this city, is a si-ter, also Mrs.
Rombach, of Watsontown, and Mrs. Michael
Hess, of Salem, ana Mrs. Pnilip Weiss, of
Hollenback. John Fenstermacher, of
Salem, is the only surviving brother.
Mrs. Seely was a member of trie
Presbyterian Church and worshipped et the
South Wilkes-Barre Chapel. She was a wo-
man who was held in very high esteem and
her death will be sincerely mourned, not
alone by her immediate family, but by all
who knew her. Funeral Thursday at 8 am.,
from residence of Mr. Dreisbach. 101 Han-
over Street, proceeding on 10 o'clock tram
to Beach Haven by L. & B. RR. Interment
at Beach Haven.
At the annual meeting of the Montgomery
County Historical Society the following offi-
cers were recently elected: President, Theo.
W. Bean; Vieo Presidents, ex-Juige H. C.
Hoover and Dr. Hiram Corson: Secretary,
Isaac Clusen: Treasurer, William McUer-
mott; Trustees, H. M. Kratz, Benjamin
V\ ertzner; James Detweiler, J. K. Gotwals
and William McDeruiott. Interesting
papers on several historical topics were
read.
' '
--• •-
THE HISTORICAL RECOUP.
121
Latitude of IVllkes-liarre.
41 degrees, 11 minutes, 17 seconds in 1755, as
taken by John Jenkins.
A l decrees* 14 minutes, 27 seconds in 1770, as
taken by Samnel WaJlis.
41 degrees, L4 minutes, 40 seconds in 17S7, as
^ivon by David H. Conyngham.
41 degrees, 14 minutes, 40.4 seconds in 1881, as
taken by second geological survey.
These observations were made at the fol-
lowing: points: The third and fourth on the
Public Square. The second at Fort Durkee,
situate on the bank of the Snsquehanna
about where the residence of Wm. L.
Conyngham stands. The first at a point
unknown.
The distances apart, in a southern direc-
tion, would be: the third, 2.4 rods south of
the fourth; the second about 80 rod- south
of the fourth, and the first about 142 rods
south of the fourth.
I. accept the fourth point of observation
as giving the most perfect result, as it was
done with modern instruments made ex-
pressly for that kind of work, with great
care and at large expense, and after many
observations, in a house built for the pur-
pose, covering a considerable period of
time; while the others were made by com-
mon surveyors' compasses in the woods or
on the open plain.
The agreement is very close considering
the great disadvantages under which the
early observers labored. Who made the
Conyngham observation it is not stated. He
was on a visit to the valley in 1767, and
noted in his journal "Wilkes- Barre is in 41
degrees 14 minutes 40 seconds north lati-
tude." Steueen Jenkins.
Not a Relative of Mrs. Garfield.
Editoe Record: In a communication in
the Regobd published March 28. 1887,
signed "W. J." is the statement that "It is
said that Mrs. President Garfield is a grand-
daughter of Jacob Rudolph." Jacob Rudolph
is in Mr. Yarington's list of business men
in Wilkes-Barre in 181S. He married a
daughter of Darius Preston, of Hanover.
Mrs. President Garlield was no relative of
his. Her great grandfather was Jacob
Rudolph, of Maryland. Her grandfather
was John Rudolph, who removed from Mary-
land to Ohio as early as 1800. Her father
was born in Ohio, and was alive there three
years ago, and has no knowledge of any of
his uncles or cousins coming to Pennsyl-
vania. H. B. Plumb.
Slight Change i" Name.
At the March meeting of City Council the
name of Carey town Road was changed to
Carey Avenue. The Careys, for whom
the throughfare wan named, were pioneers
in old Wyoming and their memory is held in
high esteem. Eleazer Carey was one
of the first settlers in Wyoming Valley,
coming first in 1760 and bringing his family
from Connecticut three years later. Of the
sons, John was a soldier in the Revolutionary
Army, settling afterwards below Wilkes-
Barre on the river road, the community
being known ever after as Careytown.
Nathan was in the battle of Wyoming, but
escaped. Benjamin and Comfort were mere-
lads when the battle occurred, and afterwards
they settled in Hanover Township. Ben-
jamin was the father of ten children, of
whom Sarah, who married Bateman Down-
ing, was the mother of our townsman Reu-
ben Downing.
Dr. H. Hollister, of Providence, has a
serie-»of interesting articles running in the
Saturday issues of the Scranton Truth,
descriptive of life in the Lackawanna Valley
40 years ago.
Loveland Genealogy.
George Loveland. Esq., of this city, ha?
been engaged for several years in an inter-
ested search for data pertaining to the Love-
land family. He already has enough ma-
terial to till a good sized volume. The other
day he received a copy of the Rutland, Ver-
mont, Record, dated Feb. 20, 1887, giving
the following interesting reference to a re-
markably long-lived family of his kinsfolk:
A remarkable family gathering was held
last Friday afternoon at the residence of Mr.
3. B. Loveland, in Proctor, oin of our be*t
known inhabitants, who has 1 ved all his life
on a farm here, which has been in the pos-
session of his family for almost a hundred
years. It was a re-union of all the members
of his family, with the exception of two, who
found it impossible to attend. There were
present Mrs. Wheeler, of Brandon, age 00
years; Mrs. Goodrich, of Brandon, age
88 years; Mrs. Betsey Mead, of
Rutland Valley, age 84 years:
Mrs. Ruth Parmelee, of Toledo,
Ohio, age 80 years, Mrs. Hewitt of Bran-
don, age 75 years, Mrs. Bnttertield, of
Tenb^idge, age 72 years, all of them sisters
of Mr. Loveland and widows, and besides
these Miss Lozina Loveland, age 75 years.
A. N. Loveland Pittslord, age 07 years,
another sister and brother, and Mr. J^ove-
laud himself who is 70 years old. The
united a^e of these nine members of the
family is 701 years, to which must be added
the age of another sister and brother not
present, 100 jears, making a total of ?01
years, a record which is hardly, if ever, ex-
celled. Their health, is in spite of"their ad-
vanced age, the best and they all have pre-
served the use of all their faculties in a re-
markable degree. AH of them but one were
born and brought up on the old homestead.
122
THE HISTORICAL RKCORt).
An Autograph Letter of Washington.
The Rkcokp is permitted to reprint a
hitherto unpublished letter from Gen.Geoi go
Washington to Major Samuel Hodgdou.
Major Hodgdou was Commissary of Subsist-
ence in the army of the Revolutionary war
and a personal friend of Washington. The
original letter is in the possession of Mrs.
Dr. Urqnhart, who is a granddaughter of
Major Hodgdon. The letter was written at
the close of the Revolutionary War, be-
tween the sessions of Congress, which open-
ed at Priuceton, N. J., June 30, 1783 and
closed at Annapolis, Md., Nov. 26, 1783:
Philadelphia, 13th Dec. 1783— SiurThe
Trunk, and two boxes or cases which you
brought from New York for me, with a few
other articles, which I shall send to you to-
morrow, 1 would have go by Land as my
Papers, and other valuable things are con-
tained in them.
The Boxes and other parcels which were
sent from Rockyhill by Col. Morgan, may
go by water to Alexandria, for which place
a vessel (Col. Biddle informs me) is just on
the point of sailing, and will probably be
the last lor that River, Potomack. this season
— let me intreat therefore that the opportu-
nity may not be lost in sending them by
her.
Inclosed is 40 dollars— 5 more than your
account. — I am sir as
Mojt obed. Servt
G. Washington'.
Sam'l Hodqdon Esq.
Almost a Golden Wedding.
On April 2d occurred the 45th anniver-
sary of the weddiug of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Morgan. Mr. Morgan is a YN likes-Barrean
by continuous residence of over half a cen-
tury, and was married on April 2, 1842 by
Rev. Mr. Bristol, then pastor of the M. E.
church in Wilkes-Barre. A year later he
entered the boot and shoe business, the firm
being Kline & Morgan until 1847, when Mr.
Morgan became sole proprietor. The estab-
lishment grew into large proportions, be-
coming one of the substantial industries of
the town, by reason of Mr. Morgan's ster-
ling busiue^s qualities. In 1879 its owner
and founder had the satisfaction of placing
the business in the hands of two of his sons
who are now engaged as wholesale manu-
facturers with a large factory on North Main
Street.
In 1868, though still engaged in the shoe
business Mr. Morgan established the hard-
ware firm of C. Morgan A: Son on tho pre-
sent location of the People's Bank. In
March of last year he severed his conection
with this concern also, leaving it in the
hands of his three other sons who
conduct, the business on tho sound
principles which have made it a per-
manent success. Mr. Morgan has now
laid aside the active responsibilities of busi-
ness life, and has the rare pleasure of seeing
his live sons established on their own feet in
control of two of the important industries
of the town.
On Saturday there was a quiet family re-
union at the residence on North Franklin
Street, all of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan's child-
ren being present. A golden wedding is an
anniversary of rare occurrence in Wilkes-
Barre, but Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have reason
to anticipate such a celebration, tho former
being 73 and the latter 04 years of age, both
being halo and hearty.
Another Old Land Mark Going.
That historic old residence corner of
Franklin and Union Streets, onco occupied
by Chief Justice John Bannister Gibson, is
now in process of demolition to make room
for the block of six private jesidence3 to oc-
cupy the same lot extending from Union
street to the old canal, now L.V. RR. track.
This is an old structure, so old that perhaps
no one living here remembers when it was
built or by whom; the frame is yet staunch
and sound, but the style of architecture is
too antiquated for the present generation,
and more than that, land is too scare to al-
low a half acre to each dwelling here in the
central portion of the city.
The old frame building adjoining the
Leader office about to be removed to make
room for two tine wholesale stores, though
it may not be considered as among the ''old
landmarks," is yet not of very recent date.
It was first used as a public house by Archip-
pus Parrish, after the destruction by fire of
his former hotel, which stood on the east
side of tho Public Square, about whore
Josiah Lewis' stores now are. The old
tavern was burned on the night of 22d Feb-
ruary, abuut the year 183.1. The sleighing
was fine on that day and there was to be a
Washington's birth-day ball at night.
Bright tires had been kindled to warm up
some of the upper rooms for the comfort of
expected guests during the early evening,
when at about 9 o'clock a cry of tire was
heard on the Public Square and names were
seen shooting up through the shingles of the
roof, and in half an hour the old hostelry
was reduced to ashes. The new building
was used but a short time before Mr.
Parrish removed to another hotel, corner of
Public Square and East Market Street,
which was also destroyed by tire many years
ago.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
123
INTERESTING REMINISCENCES.
Seventy Years Ago in W llket>-Barro — Some
Early Buildings— Two Brothar Editors
—Teaching a. Blind Sister Her Letters
with Wooden Type.
A Record man met Isaao M. Thomas tlie
other day. that gentleman remarking that
his mother, widow of Jesse Thomas, could
give the desired information in regard to
the old house at the corner of Franklin and
Union Street?, now undergoing demolition
to make room for a handsome block of resi-
dences. Mrs Thomas was accordingly call-
ed on at her home on South Franklin Street.
She remarked that the old house was built
about 1811 or 181:3, by her father, Hon.
Charles Miner and that she and her brother,
William P. Miner, founder of the Record of
the Times, were born under its roof. While
her father was engaged in its erection he
occupied the house at the corner of Uniou
and River Streets, now'occnpied by Dr. Ing-
ham. In 1817 Mr, Miner sold it to Judge
Burnside, who was a distinguished jurist.
the former removing to West Chester, where
he established the Village Record.
All the four corners except one, that oc-
cupied many years later by Hod. Andrew
Beaumont's house, were built upon. These
were older than Mr. Miner's house and the
one in the southwest corner is still standing,
It was called the Evans house, its owner
being quite a prominent man in his day.
On the northeast corner, now the Stickney
Block, was the Palmer house, known to a
later generation as the "old red house." The
Palmer3 afterwards removed to Mt. Holly.
and they were a large family. The Beau-
mont house was built years after, m t"e
early daj s of the canal and was intended by
Mr. Beaumont as a ware house for canal
shipping rather than foe a dwelling.
Franklin Street ended at Union 70 years
ago. Above Union if was called the "green
lane" and was a favorite playground for our
parents and grandparents during the first
decade or two of the century. There were
no houses above Union except that of Capt.
Bowman, now the residence of Mrs. Col. A.
H. Bowman.
Owing to the fact that Mrs. Thomas spent
most of her earlier days away from Wilkes-
Barre, she cannot tell who occupied the
Miner house sabseqnent to Judge Burnside,
though she recollects that Joseph Le Clerc
lived there in 1833.
Mrs. Thomas well remembers the conse-
cration of the first St. Stephen's Episcopal
Church in 1823, by Bishop White. It was a
great event in Wilkes-Barre and as Mrs.
Thomas had lived among Quaker influences,
6he (then nine years old) had never seen a
surpliced clergyman be'ore. She remembers
coming to visit Wilkes-Barre at that time
and that a fellow traveler in the stage coach
over the Easton pike was a gentleman who
was also coming to Wilkes-Barre. The lit-
tle girl and her mother did not know the
gentleman, though they were curious to, bo-
cause he was constant in his kindly atten-
tions to the child. What was their surprise
at afterwards seeing their fellow-passenger
a conspicuous figure at the church consecra-
tion, he being a candidate for ordiuatiuu,
Bishop White laying his hands upon Ids
head with the bestowal of the apostolic
blessing. Rev. Samuel Sitgreaves— for this
proved to V»0 his name- -served as rector of
the parish for a year, was fol-
lowed by Rev. Enoch Huntington
in 1821. and by Rev. L>r. James
May in 1827. Prior to the coming of Mr.
Sitgreaves, Samuel Bowman had conducted
lay services at St. Stephen's and he after-
wards entered the ministry and became an
assistant bishop. Bishop Bowman died in
1861, and his wife was a sister of the young
deacon who rode across the mountains with
little Miss Miner on that bright Juno day in
1823. The church, Mrs. Thomas says, was
a low, frame building painted white, with a
gable end to the street, a flight of half a
dozen steps leading up to a long porch. The
Presbyterian Church was built a little later
and was similar to the Episcopal except that
irs pulpit was at the front while that of the
Episcopal was at the farther end trom the
entrance.
Mrs. Thomas has a host of interesting
reminiscences. She remembers Rev. Dr.
May and Bishop Onderdonk (Episcopal),
Rev. Nicholas Murray (Presbyterian), who
afterwards gained considerable prominence
as "Kirwan" in his celebrated contest with
Archbishoo Hughes, of the Roman Catholic
Church (1820-33). It was during Mr. Mur-
ray's pastorate that the church, which had
been partly Congregational hitherto, fully
adopted the Presbyterian form of govern-
ment.
Her description of her father's printing
office and the manner in which he taught a
blind daughter. Sarah, to read, by having
her learn ~the shape of large wooden job
typp, is interesting in the extreme. When
sent to au institution for teaching the blind
her parents were informed that she was the
first child ever admitted who was able to
read. She had a marvelous memory and
was afterwards an invalurble assistant to
her father in his arduous work of writing
the "History of Wyoming," she accompany-
ing him on" his visits to the old people,
listening closely to their stirring narratives
of pioneer privations and Indian hostilities,
and then recalling them to her father when
he returned home to put his data on paper.
Charles Miner was born in Connecticut]!!
1780 and came to Wilkes-Barre in 1709,
124
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
where his brother Asher (great grandfather
of the present Asher Miner) estab
lished the Luzerne County Federalist
in 1801, in which year the Wilkes-Barre
Gazette, owned by Thomas Wright, ceased
publication. Asher Miner married the only
daughter of Thomas Wright and Charles
married ins grand- daughter, Letitfa, daugh-
ter of Joseph Wright, who had edited his
father's paper. In 1802 the two Miners
formed a partnership, which continued two
years, at which time Asher moved to Doyles-
town. In 1807 Charles was elected to the
Pennsylvania Legislature and was re-elected
the following year. In 1810 he sold the
Federalist, to his two apprentices, Steuben
Butler and Sidney Tracy. He resumed the
oiiice in 1811, but in 1816 sold to Isaac A.
Chapman and located in West Chester 1817.
In 1824 he was elected to Congress and was
re-elected two years later. In July 1825 he
was re-joined by las brother Asher and they
published the Village Record until its sale
by them in 1834. it is still hale and hearty.
Charles returned to Wyoming Valley in
1832, Asher following in 183-1 and they
ended their lives on adjoining farms near
WiJkes-Barre, now Mu.er's Mills. His "His-
towy of Wyoming," was published in 1845
and is the standard work on that subject.
His death occurred in 1805 at the ripe age of
85. Asher, who was the grand father of Hon:
Charles A. Miner, died in 1840.
Death of a Young Lawyer.
Catarrhal pneumonia of a week's dura-
tion blotted out a promising young life on
Friday, April 1, that of James Buchanan
Shaver, Esq.. of Plymouth, one of the
youngest members of the Luzerne Bar. He
was born in Dallas, Jan. 24, 1859, and was
a son of Andrew Jackson Shaver, and a
grandson of William Shaver, of Dallas. The
family have resided in o^ near Wyoming
Valley since 1796. Deceased moved to Ply-
mouth when a mere lad, soon after his
father's death at Dallas. Ho was a faithful
and diligent student and was graduated
with honors from Wesleyan University in
the class of 1881, when 22 years of age.
After graduating he returned to Plymouth
and taught in the public schools for three
years, lib registered as a law student with
J. A. Opp., Esq., and was admitted to the
bar of Luzerue County hist June, after a
highly creditable examination. He subse-
quently opened offices in Plymouth and
Wilkes-Barrc and the trial of the cases upon
which he was engaged in his very brief prac-
tice stamped him as a lawyer who would have
adorned his profession had his life been
spared. Ho was a member of the
Methodist Church and an efficient teacher in
the Sunday school. He was a brother of Dr.
Wm. Davenport Shafer and a cousin of Dr.
Harry L. Whitney and the Davenport Broth-
ers of Plymouth.
It is said that since the illness of Prof.
Howland, of the Wyoming Seminary, he had
been invited to fill his position during that
illness, and would have accepted had he not
himself fallen a victim to the same disease.
The funeral took place Monday at 11
o'clock from his late homo. Interment in
Plymouth.
On Saturday tho Luzerno bar held a meet-
ing to take action upon its bereavement, and
George B. Kulp, esq., was made chairman
and Charles E. Keck, secretary. The fol-
lowing persons wore appointed a Committee
on Resolutions : A. C. Campbell, A. L. Wil-
liams, P. A. O'Boyle, P. A. Meixell, D. A.
Fell, jr., J. Q. Groveling and J. A. Opp, who
reported as tollows :
The bar of Luzerne County condole with
tho family and kindred of James Buchanan
Shaver, and desire to express their appre-
ciation of the loss which his unex-
pected death has brought to them.
His life has come to an untimely close.
His career lias ended. His life's work
was but begun. Tho future to him was
full of hope and promise. His life was one
of labor and assiduity, and his career worthy
of emulation by all young men who aim at
eminence in the profession to which he be-
longed. He was a Christian gentleman in
all his actions and dealings with his fellow
man. As a member of the bar he rejoiced in
the moral triumphs of justice, and was a
sincere and conscientious advocate in all
that those terms imply. Therofore, be it
Resolved, That the members of the legal
profession of this county, and particularly
the younger members of the bar, who have
enjoyed closer intercourse with the deceased,
have lost a warm, faithful, personal friend,
and the bar in general lias been deprived of
one who added to its character more than
ordinary virtues.
And we hereby extend to the family, and
especially to the widowed mother of the de-
ceased that sympathy which may in some
small degree sustain them in the hour of
their sad afiliction.
The verdict of his colleagues is that,
though j oung, James Buchanan Shaver has
not lived in vain.
That these resolutions be engrossed and
presented to the mother of the deceased, and
that a copy be furnished the newspaper^ for
publication, and that the court be requested
to direct the same to be spread upon the
records.
....
The Istorical Record
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
DEVOTED PRINCIPALLY TO
TEbc iSarl^ Ibistovv of TO\>omino Dalle\>
AND CONTIGUOUS TERRITORY
WITH
NOTES AND QUERIES
Biographical, Antiquarian, Genealogical
O
EDITED BY F. C. JOHNSON, M. D.
Vol. i] April 1887 [No. 8.
WILKES-BARREi PA.
press of t'be TOilftes*36arre IRecovo
MDCCCLXXXVII
The Historical Record.
Contents. page
Peter Pence, a Brave Frontier Ranger, C. F. Hill
An April Storm, and other Unseasonable Storms 127-
Old Time Railroading
Poem on Wyoming Monument, Mrs. Lydia //. Sigourney
Reminiscences of Old Wilkes-Barre, Dillon Yaringlon
Postage Fifty Years Ago
Some old-time Accounts, //. B. Plumb
An Aged Odd Fellow
Major W. P. Elliott dead
A Labor Trouble 60 years ago — .
Prices of Wheat for 70 years
Etymology of "Susquehanna"
Rev. I. H. Torrence as a Bible Society A gent
Sullivan Expedition Journals to be Published
Rout of the Six Nations . . - . .
Old Time Dancing Masters, Caleb E. Wright
Wyoming Historical and Geological Socii ty, May Meeting
Notes—
Hon. Samuel D. Ingham .
Indian Relics Found .
Capt. John Fries, of Bucks. -....„
Jones Family of Bethlehem ,
Meteoric Shower of 1 S3 3
A Wildcat Reminiscence ,
W. S. Wells' Golden Wedding .
Wilkes-Barre in 1S27
History of the Mennonites
Judge Dyer's Bad Writing „
West Branch Magazine
An instance of Indian Prohibition
The Levan Letter :
Zeisbergcr Preaching to the Indians
The only Revolutionary Pensioner in Pennsylvania „,
Will of Mrs. E. L. Ost'erhout '
Mixed as to the Merediths
The Pioneer Marcv Family
Adoption of the P"ederal Constitution, Volume on
Deaths—
Mrs. Isaac Livingston „ «
Charles Sturdevant
Mrs. Ann Perry
Miss Matilda Ann Adams
Mrs. Hugh MeGroarty .-
Etias Robins
Edward Enterline.
Capt. John Dennis
Bernard Frauenthal
Miss Ellen Cist Rutter
Mrs. Elizabeth Lee Osterhout
Alexander H. Dana
George Gregory
John W. Levari —
Mrs. Elizabeth Munson
Mrs. Rebecca Metzger Hooper.
Mrs. Esther McCarty
Mrs. Julia A. Brown
J. W. Raedkr, Bookbinder for the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, 7 and 9 Market St.,
Wilkes-Barre.
' ' '
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Reaches every post-office in Luzerne county, and circulates widel)
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and guarantees all work to be satisfactory to the customer. The types
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Address all communications to
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J.'c.'poweH. ' WILKES-BABRE, PENN'A
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me Ibistovtcal IRecorb
Vol. 1.
APRIL, 1S87.
No. 8.
A BRAVE FRONTIER HANGER.
Sketch of Peter Pence, Who Fought in
the Revolutionary War and was After-
wards an Indian Fighter on the Sus-
quehanna—Some of His Adventures.
Peter Pence, whose name has so often
been read in connection with that of Moses
Van Campen, was a German, or rather a
Pennsylvania Dutchman, of tho days of
seventy-six. It is believed that his proper
name was Peter Bentz, which name at that
time was frequently • met in Lancaster
County and that he came from there to Sha-
mokiu, and that it was changed to Pence, by
the well known aptitude of the Pennsylvania
Dutchman to cross ihe sounds of the letters
b and p when speaking English, that in this
way his name was written Pence.
In one of the Wyoming histories, in relat-
ing his and Moses Van Campen 's adven-
tures during a captivity with the Indians,
Pence is described as a young boy. This is
a mistake, as Peter was not only a man, bat
a very numerous one, both on the North and
West Branches of the Susquehanna, as an
Indian fighter and scout, or, as they were
called in those days, a ranger. The first
record we have of him is that
in June, 1775, he enlisted in
Captain John Lowdon's company,
First Rifle Regiment, commanded by Col.
William Thompson. This company camped
at Sunbury, thence marched to Reading and
Easton; thence through the northern part
of the State of New Jersey, and crossed the
Hudson River at New Windsor, a few miles
northwest of West Point: thence through
Hartford to Can: bridge, where it arrived
about the 8th of August. Pence's company
was now fairly to the front and he had an
opportunity of seeing the British troops
whose batteries frowned down upon him
trom Bunker, Breed and Copp's hills, as
also from their war ships in the harbor.
The men of the regiment to which Pence
belonged were thus described at the time in
Thacher's Military Journal:
"Several companies of riflemen have ar-
rived here from Pennsylvania and Mary-
land, a distance of from five hundred to
seven hundred miles. They are remarkably
stout and hardy men, many of them exceed-
ing six feet in height. They are dressed in
rifle shirts and round hats. These men are
remarkable for the accuracy of their aim,
striking a mark with great certainty at two
hundred yards' distance. At a review of a
company of them, while on a quick
advance they fired their balls into objects of
seven inch diameter, at a distance of 250
yards. They are now stationed on our lines,
and their shot have frequently proved fatal
to British officers and and soldiers."
If this is a fair picture of the kind of boy
Pence was in 1775 then he should have been
something more than a boy, when in the
month of April, 1780, lie, Van Campen and
Pike, with the two boys, Jonah Rogers aud
the boy Van Campen, Moses' little nephew,
rose on their captors, near Tioga Point, and
slew a portion of them, routed the re-
mainder and captured all their guns and
blankets. After which they made their way
down the North Branch of the Susquehanna
River, part of the way on foot and part on a
raft, reaching Wyoming on the -1th day of
April, 1780.
Here Pike and the boy, Jonah Rogers, left
the party, as they were now near their
homes. On the evening of the 5th Pence,
Van Campen and his little nephew again
took the river in a canoe and traveled all
night, as at that time the Indians were on
the river below Wyoming in force. They
reached Fort Jenkins [now Briar Creek,
Columbia County,] on the morning of
the 6th of April, where they met Col.
Kelly, with one hundred anen, who had come
across from the West Branch. Here it was
that Moses VanCampen first met his mother
and her younger children. who had
escaped the massacre in which his father,
brother and uncle met their fate
just a week before. She had sup-
posed him a victim of the slaughter. The
next day Pence and VanCampen left Fort
Jenkies in their canoes, and reached Fort
Augusta, at Sunbury, where they were re-
ceived in a regular frontier triumph. On
the 9th following, Lieut.-Col. Lndwig Wott-
ner writes from Northumberland to the Board
of War,stating that he encloses a deposition,
or rather a copy of it, of one Peter Bens,
who was lately taken prisoner by the Indians
on the 20th of March last, and happily made
his escape with three more of his fellow suf-
ferers. Everj effort has been made to dis-
cover this deposition or a copy of it. but
without success. The statement of Moses
VanCampen as to this particular event must
therefore forever stand alone.
lf>6
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
The next exploit in which we find Pence
engaged is in the. year 1781, when the Stock
family were murdered by the Indians
about two miles west from Selius-
grove. It was a most foul and
brutal mnrder. The neighborhood
and three experienced Indian fighter*, Pence,
Grove and Stroh, went in pursuit of the
enemy. The speed with which the Indians
traveled and the care required to keen on
their trail and avoid an ambuscade, pre-
vented the white men from overtaking them
until they had got into the State of New
York, somewhere on the headwaters of the
North Branch, where they found the party
encamped for the night on the side of a hill
covered with fern. There the Indians
fancied themselves safe. The distance they
had traveled in safety warranted them in be-
lieving that they had not been pursued and
they therefore kept no watch. Grove, leav-
ing his gun at the foot of the hill, crept ud
through the ferns and observed that all their
rifles were piled around a tree and that all
but three or four were asleep. One of them,
a large and powerful man. was narrating in
high good humor, and with much impressive
"gesticulation, the attack on Stock's family
and described the mauney in which Mis.
Stock defended herself. Grove lay
quiet until the auditors fell asleep,
and the orator, throwing his blanket over
his head slept also. He then returneo to his
comrades, Pence and Stroh, informed them
of what he had seen, and concerted the plan
of attack, which was put in execution as
soon as they thought the orator and his
hearers fast asleep. They ascended the hill.
Grove plied the tomahawk, while Pence and
Stroh took possession of the rifles and fired
among the sleepers. One of the first to
awake was the orator, whom Grove dispatch-
ed with a single blow as he threw the blanket
from his head and arose. How many they
killed I do not know, but they brought home
a number of scalps. The Indians, thinking
they were attacked by a large party, iled in
all directions and abandoned everv thing. A
white boy about 15 years of ase, whom they
had carried off, was rescued and brought
back. The survivors having fled, they .se-
lected the best of the rifles, as many as they
could conveniently carry, destroyed the re-
mainder, and made ther way to the Susque-
hanna, where they constructed a raft of logs
and embarked. The river was so low that
their descent was both tedious and
slow, and their raft uu fortunate-
ly striking a rock at Nanticoke
Falls went to pieces, and they lost all their
rifles and plunder. From that place they re-
turned to Northumberland on foot, and ar-
rived there in safety.
Meginness in his "O'zinachson," after
speaking of Michael Grove as the Indian
killer, says, "There was another remarkable
hunter and Indian killer in this valley
named Peter Pence, of whom many wonder-
ful stones are related. He is described by
those who remember, as being a savage
looking customer, and always went armed
with his rifle, tomahawk and knife even
jears alter peace was made. It is said that
an account of his life was published some
thirty j tars ago, and is remembered by
some, but the most careful research has
failed to develop it."
That Pence was not a boy, but a brave
soldier of the Revolutionary War and served
out a term, during which he bravely faced
the cannon shot and shell of the British at
Bunker Hill, and returned home to do duty
on the Susquehanna frontier against the In-
dians and was captured and escaped with
Moses VanCampen almost four years after
an honorable discharge from the Continental
service, must be conceded.
On the 10th of March, 1810, the Legisla-
ture of Pennsylvania parsed an act grant-
ing an annuity to Peter Pence, in consider-
ation of his services, of forty dollars per an-
num, which was to be paid annually in trust
to John Forster of Lycoming County, and
requiring the said John Forster anDnally to
report to the Orphans' Court of Lycoming
County, on oath or affirmation how or in
what manner he executed the said trust in
him confided. Peter Pence, it is said, died
in Crawford Township, Clinton County, iu
the year 1829 and left a son named John.
It would be very interesting to know at ibis
late day, what evidence *as filed at Harris-
burg in support of the passage of the act
granting the annuity. And also what report
was made to the Orphans' Court by his
trustee. And how. when and where he died
and was buried. And who, if any of his liv-
ing di-cendants are. C. F. Hill.
Hazleton, April 15, 1SS7.
The Doylestown Democrat of March 8
contains the paper on Eon. Samuel D. Ing-
ham, read before thp Bucks County Histori-
cal Society by Rev. D. K. Turrer. Mr. Ing-
ham was the most illustrious citizen who
ever lived in Bucks County, unless Nicholas
Biddle, who lived at the same time and
participated in the same events of the Jack-
sonian era, is regarded as a rival. Ingham,
it will be remembered by the student of
political frstory of the country, was the
Secretary of the Treasury during old Hick-
orvs administration, and with other mem-
bers of the Cabinet dissolved their ( flicial
relations of the administration on account
of the Mrs. Faton tronbles. The paper is
a valuable contribution, and will rescue
from oblivion many of the incidents of Ing-
ham's career.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
127
AN AI'KLJL SNOW STUltAI.
Ono Which Old Probabilities was not
Looking for Tin- Heaviest April Snow
Fall in 30 Years.
People who had begun to make garden
unci who thought spring had conic wore sur-
prised to witness a heavy snow ft-rm April
18. It began in the silent hours ot the
early morning, continued about seven or
eight hours, and by noon had laid a beauti-
ful c-.tr pet of as many inches deep over the
entire landscape. It lacked only a depres-
sion of temperature to be a genuine winter
day. The thermometer was not as low as
the freezing point. Pedestrians found the
walking most difficult in the deep snow, while
the roads speedily became muddy. The
storm was haruly so severe as a noteworthy
predecessor of 30 years ago, but it was
phenomenal at this season of the year. The
jingle ot sleigh bells was- heard for the tirst
tune in many weeks and there was fully
seven or eight inches of snow on a level in
the city. Outlying towns and hamlets report
about a foot of snow on the level, at Laurel
Run there being between 11 and 12 inches
and at Lehman Centre the same. The storm
began at about 5:30 am. and ceased lor
several hours about noon. At sundown it
resumed, and continued until about mid-
night.
The storm on Saturday was central at
Salt Lake City but crossed the Rooky Moun-
tains and was central Monday morning in
Louisville, Ky. All east of the Mississippi
River was on Monday under the influence
of the storm, which caused heavy rains at
Louisville, Cincinnati, Nashville, Pittsburg.
Knoxville and Indianapolis and lighter rains
both east and west of these poiuts, from
Kansas to the Atlantic. In New York city
it caused the fall of considerable snow.
Snow also fell along the New England coast
and in the lake region, but elsewhere the
rain fall prevailed as far south as northern
Georgia and Mississippi. Throughout
Central New York and Pennsylvania from
two to ten inches of snow is reported.
All the old settlers called to mind a simi-
larly late April storm in 1857. James D.
Laird was the first to fix the date, he finding
a memorandum on his day booK for April
20. 1857. He says the snow was up to the
window sills of his Market Street shop, fully
two feet deep.
Alderman Parsons, Richard Sharpe, 'Wes-
ley Johnson, J. M. Nicholson and Charles
Morgan, all had incidents to recall. The
latter was on Loug Island Souud on a
steamer en route from New London to New
York. The reckoning had become lo-i; and
the vessel had a difficult time making port.
Alderman Johnson recalled the crushing
n of Mr. Betterly's kitchen, which stood
about whore Morgan's shoo factory now
stands. Mr. Betterly was the father of the
present Dr. Betterly.
Alderman Parsons had a very vivid rocol-
lection of the occurrence as his first wife
was dying. He went to Pursel it Simon's
livery lor a rig with which to take a nurse
home. The stable was crushed. Mr. Par-
sons says the snow remaining at the end of
the storm was 11 inches.
Hon. L. J). Shoemaker's recollection of
the depth ot the show was about a foot.
Ticket Agent Nicholson says the D. L. &
W. trains \esterday did not suffer so. badly
this time as in April, 1857, the snow fall on
Pocono being only fivo inches, while in 1857
it was as many feet.
E. H. Chase, E-q., recalls the storm as it
affected the courts. The drifts were so bad,
and the storm so heavy throughout the
county, that court which had assembled, as
it did Monday, for the spring term, was
compelled to adjourn because of the absence
of jurors. Stiles Williams, of Bear Creek,
for a long time proprietor of the Prospect
House on the Wilkes-Barre mountain,
created a sensation by bringing in several
jurymen from Bear Creek township and
neighborhood, the party being pulled by
four horses, with five outriders going on
ahead to break the road. Mr. Chase was
drawn as talesman in the same court, but
was rejected as not having been a resident
of the county for a sufficient length of time.
The Rkcord of the Times for April 22,
1857, contains several references to the
storm of that year, the date being April 20:
"The storm of Sunday night and Monday
was more disagreeable than anything we re-
collect for years. Heaviest snow fall of the
winter. The roof of the large shed at the
livery stable of Pursel it Simons was broken
down and several carriage tops crushed.
Telegraph poles on Market and Main Streets
broke down and tangled the wires in the
street. A building ou Main Street, occupied
by Mr. Betterly was broken in and his
daughter slightly injured. The falliug mass
rested on the table where she was eating,
otherwise she would have been crushed to
death. Mr. Totten's stable on Washington
Street was crashed, also the long rope walk
on the canal."
'•The storm has interfered with our office
work and we have been compelled to call in
extra assistance in the way of steam for the
power press."
"The weather for past week severe as No-
vember. Wednesday like winter. Saturday
soring like, but only a weather breeder.
Sunday raw, East wind, snow commenced
atternoon, continuing nearly all Monday and
part of Tuesday. We had a sled ride on
Tuesday. Eighteen inches must have fallen.
The Lackawanua it Western trains were
128
THE HISTORICAL IIKCOUD.
stopped on Monday. Snow reported several
feet deep in places."
'•The snow blocked up the road on the
Kingston mountain so that it was impossi-
ble to get the mails through to Northmore-
land. The mail carrier reports from five to
six feel of unbroken snow. The team was
stuck fast and men had to be employed to
shovel them out, after which further progress
was given up."
A similar storm was reported from Potts-
ville anjj Reading.
The same paper records late storms in
previous years. May 2, 1811, the week past
been almost oue continued storm — cold,
snow, wet. April '20, 1843, last snow of
winter disappeared. June 1, 1843, sharp
frost killed beans and apple crop. Other
crops not injured. The editor remarks:
"So there is hope. Seed time and harvest
shall not fail,, though our variable climate
continue variable. And spring, all smiles,
all tears, remains the battle ground between
winter and summer for the mastery."
OLD TIM IS KAILROAUING.
Ex-Supt. Bound's Experience on the
Pocono iu the Heavy Snow Storm ot
April, 1857— The Locomotives Nearly
Buried.
The Recokd has already reported Ticket
Agent J. M. Nicholson as saying the snow
was 6 feet deep on the Pocono Mountain in
April storm 30 years ago. Mr. Nicholson,
feeling that his story was received with a
little discredit wrote to Ex-Supt. Bound of
the L. & B. RE., who was on the Pocono at
the time and whose reply will be read with
genoral interest:
April 10— J. M. Nicholson, Kingston —
Dear Sir: In April 1857, I was conductor of
coal train, on Southern Division. D. L. <fc W.
RR. At about 4 am. on April 20, 1857, I
left Scranton for New Hampton Junction,
with engine Vermont, (camel-back,) and
David Hippenhamer engineer. We started
with our usual train. (22 small cars,) but
the snow being about eight inches deep and
very heavy, we were compelled to back down
and switch six cars. At Greenville we
switched ten more; at Moscow we switched
the remainder of our cars, and went on
with engine and caboose. Were stalled
several tunes between Moscow and Lehigh.
In 1857 the Pocono Tunnel was not com-
pleted, and we ran around it, and over short
trestle. At east end of this trestle we found
Puterbaugh, conductor. Mark Barnwell, en-
gineer, with engine "Susquehanna'' off the
track. Puterbaugh had left Scranton a few
moments ahead of us with a freight train,
and I think had switched nearly or quite all
of his cars before leaving Moscow. If I re-
member aright it was about 8 am., when we
overtook Puterbaugh, and it took us until
8 pm. to get the "Susquehanna" off t ho
track, and by this time the snow was up to
my armpits on the level. You do not ex-
aggerate when you say the snow was live
feet deep on level at Pocono in April 1857.
I was there. After we got engine on track,
we coupled the two engines together, got up
full head of steam, and took a run over the
embankment near Paradise water tank,
(wind had blown snow off this bank,; for
Paradise switch, and if ever engine did their
duty, this was the time. We just cleared
main track, when we stalled, and we were
happy, for we had expected to stall before
clearing mam track. And think of flagmen
standing out in that storm for two days and
two nights. On Paradise switch we found
Gurnsey, conductor, Jim Harvey, engineer,
with engine "Niagara" attached to west
bound freight. We all (three crews) went
to section house (Barlow's) and got our sup-
pers. Next morning we got our breakfast
at same place and ate up all they had ex-
cept enough to last his family for two days.
I took Gurnsey's way bills, looked them
over and found car containing a barrel of
crackers and a box of cheese, we were all
right now for grub; but when could we get
from Paradise to Scranton, was the ques-
tion.
On April 22, at about i pm., we were
made happy by the arrival of a passenger
train from the west. Supt. Brisbin was on
it and stated to us that he, with all the men
and engiues at his command, had been
working since morning of 20th ta get pas-
senger train from Scranton over Pocono, and
said to us, "Boys, the snow is very deep in
cut west of Tobyhauna. It is to tops of pas-
senger cars: you can go to Scranton to-night
if you think you can get your engines there
safe. I would prefer you would wait until
morning." And his train started for New-
hampton Junction. Soon after we held
council of war and concluded to go to
Scranton that night, which we did, arriving
there about 9 pm. all right. I should have
added that when we stalled in Paradise
switch the snow was level with the head light
on the "Susquehanna" and the foot boards
alongside of "Vermont's" boiler. We had
no injectors at that timo and pumped water
into our engines by slipping the drivers: this
was the only way we could keep them alive,
as they could not be moved until we
shoveled them out on 22nd.
David T. Bound.
April Thirty-three Years Ago.
[ Williamsport Gazette and Bulletin. 1
The following is an extract from John A.
Otto's diary iu 1854, Mr. Otto residing at
that time in Schuylkill County: "April 1-lth,
THE HIS20RICAL RECORD.
120
(iood Friday— enow storm; April loth, rain
and snow; 16th, Easter, very cold; 17th,
snow fifteen inches deep; found a half bushel
dead birds in an old furnace stack."
Another Spi 'mux Snow Storm.
Editoe Record: Ah our snow storm of
April 18 ha? coiled forth numerous reminis-
cences concerning lato spring snows from
some of the "oldest inhabitants," permit
me to mention one of an earlier date and of
still more untimely occurrence. 1 think it
was in the year 1833, or perhaps in 1834. I
was then a small boy, and we. that is myself
and one or two more of my brothers, were
at work on the old home farm at Laurel
Run on the loth of May. planting corn in a
field now covered by 50 feet or more of
coal culm. The morning was fair, but
towards noon it became so cold, that t inly
clad as we were, we were obliged to leave
off work and betake ourselves to the old
fashioned chimney corner with its bright
wood lire kindled on the fnarth. Snow
commenced falling early in the evening.and
next morning the ground was covered with
four or five inches. Peach and plum trees
were in full bloom, and their branches were
drooping with the weight of snow and hanging
to the clusters of blossom, which in the case
of the plum trees at least, rivaled the white-
ness of the=untimely snow with which they
were weighted down. I do not remember
what effect this had on the fruitage but trunk
it was not seriously damaged. w. J.
Another Uutiuiely Snow Storm
Now that the heavy snow storm of April
18 is recalling other unseasonable storms
the following item will be of interest, it
being copied from the manuscript diary of
Jacob J. Dennis, father of Capt. James P.
Dennis:
"Snow fell on the 4th day of May, 1812,
at Wilkes-Barre, nearly all day. Peach
trees were in blossoms and apple trees:
some gardens were made. The two moun-
tains were covered with snow, and on
Wilkes-Barre Mountain more than a foot
deep."
Two Valuable lie lies.
Dr. W, H. Sharp, of Nanticoke, has pre-
sented the Historical Society with two valu-
able relics. One is an iron hatchet or toma-
hawk, blade six inches long, 2:., inches along
cutting ed^e. It was found on the premises
of Asa Cook in Pike Swamp, near the cabin
of Abram Pike, the celebrated Indian killer.
The other is an aboriginal implement or or-
nament of stone, 4lo inches long, IV inches
wide and having two conical shaped holes
bored through near the rounded ends. It
was found on the mountain in Hunlock
Township by C. H. Sharp.
A Poem by Mrs. Slgourney.
The following poem is handed the Record
by Capt. James P. Dennis. It appeared
first in the Hartford (Conn. ) Courant, and
is undoubtedly from the pen of the distin-
guished poet, Mrs. Lydia Huntley Slgourney.
She was born in Noiwich, Conn., 171)1, and
in 1810 was married to Charles S. Sigourney.
of Hartford. Her writings contain frequent
references to the aboriginal inhabitants of
America and to her native State. Naturally
Wyoming, with its tragic story and its Con-
necticut associations, occupied a place in her
writings. The present poem, which was an
appeal for the building of a monument ov-
er the bones of the hero dead at 'Wyoming
is not given in her published writings.
Mrs. Sigourney died in Hartford in 1805.
THE WYOMING MONUMENT.
M^n of thi" happy land, if yo would have
Thar valor flourish, which did guard your homes
From foreign domination— hastfi to pay
!ne honor to the dead, who made their breast
A shield .-itrai st the foe, and in the cause
Of holy liberty, lay down to die,
— Flow'd not their blood from the game glorious
source
Thai till'd your own? Why should they longer
sleep
In cold oblivion's tomb?
'I heir gather'd bones
Are where the death-shaft fell, and the green
tarf
Of fair Wyoming's vale hath done its host
To deck their sepulchre. Yea, Spring hath
come—
Weeping like Rizpah for her slanghter'd s' ns,
And spread a mantle o'er them— and the flowers
That Summer brings, have bndded there and
died
These many lustrums.
Friends and countrymen-
Plant ye a stone upon that hallow'd mound.
And from its grave tablet teach your sons—
And when its pillar'd height goes up toward
heaven,
Teil them from whence was drawn that forti-
tude
Which sav'd their land Then if you s^e a tear
Upon the bright cheeks of your listening boy.
Hasten with a precious seed— and charge him
there
To love his country and to fear his God
— L. H. S.
Hartford, Conn. May 28, 1841.
Capt John Fries, of Bucks.
Editor Record: Will not some contributor
furnish a history of Capt. John Fries, of
Bucks County, Pa., who in 1790 made a raid
into Bethlehem, and liberated a number of
prisoners, was tried for hi £h treason and sen-
tenced to death, and afterward pardoned by-
President John Adams. Will not .-ome of
our Northampton or Bucks County local his-
tonans write him up, his ancestry and de-
scendants, etc. h.
130
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
JVIK. I'AltlKGTON'S KJEMINISCJGNCJSS.
IJow His Father's ISIacksinitli Shop
Looked, and How Nails and Farm
Tools Were Made <>•"> Years Aro—
Launch of the War Ship, "Luzerne."
Editok Recobd: On the last day
of February, 1825, 1 left my home m
Wilkes-Barre and walked to Dundaff. I had
previously made a contract with Col.
Gould Phinny to work a year for him at
my trade, (blacksmith.) I went up the
turnpike from Wilkes-Barre, through Pitts-
ton to Hyde Park, and while there 1 looked
over to Capouso (now Scranton,) and I saw
the residence of Maj. Ebenezer Slocum and
eight or ten tenant houses in which his work-
hands resided, and there were apparently
ten or twelve acres of cleared land where
Scranton now is. Maj. Sloenm had a forge
there, and manufactured what was called
bloomer irons and soon alter the war of
1813 I used to go up with my father
to purchase iron of Mr. Slocuin,
my lather being a blacksmith. Where
Scranton now is, was then a dense wilder-
ness with the exception of the few acres
around his house, i went on iu> the turn-
pike through Greenfield, and arrived at the
Dundaff Hotel about sundown. There I
found an old Wilkes-Barre friend and his
family with whom 1 was acquainted, Arehip-
pus Parrish, whose horses I had shod from
1818 to 1822, at which time he moved with
his family to DundafT. He ran the hotel
there a number of years and then moved
back to Wilkes-Barre. I felt perfectly at
home and boarded with the family a year,
and I can positively say that it -was one of
the happiest years of my life.
I will now go back a few years with the
occurrences of my boyhood at Wilkes-Barre.
When I was ten years old < 1613) my father
carried on the blacksmith business. In his
shop were three fires. At that time there
were no hardware stores in Wilkes-Barre
and no edge tools could bv found in either
of the four or five stores there, except now
and then an old fashioned one- biaded Bar-
low knife might be found at a huge price.
Such an article as a cast iron plough or a cut
nail was not known, but about the close of
the war a man by the name of Francis
McShane started a cut nail machine,
a very simple affair indeed, but himself and
his helper, (Shepard Marble, a Wilkes-Barre
young man) could cut and head about 20
pounds daily; this caused a great excitement
in town, hundreds or people irom town and
county came to see the nail factory. The
price of wrought iron came down irom 20
and 25 cents a pound to the price of twelve
and a half cents. Cut nails were sold at
ten cents. The three tires in my father's
shop were used as follows: First, at his fire
were made all the edge tools, including
cradle and grass scythes, chopping axes and
various kinds cf carpenters' tools. At an-
other tire nothing but the various kinds of
wrought iron nails were made, and the third
fire was kepi busy at the various kinds of
customers' work as it was called for.
During the war of 1812 the great phip
Luzerne was built on the river bank in front
of John W. Robinson's stone house. I saw
the launch. A thousand or more people
were present. The war spirit was rampant
at that time, aud the people of our town ex-
pected that the noble Luzerne was going to
assist in bunging the "Flag ot Great
Britain" down. A few days after the
launch a sufficient flood arose and the ship
was manned and started down the river to-
wards the ocean, but in passing the Falls of
Canawaga, she ran on to the rocks and lay
there till the ice in the river broke up the
next spring, when she was totally destroyed.
John P. Arndt was one of the stockholders
— probably the largest one — in the vessel.
Several others, including my father, had
from three to five hundred dollars of the
stock. There was great excitement in Lu-
zerne County about those days. The war
spirit prevailed to a great extent. There
were two recruiting stations at
Wilkes-Barre and the recruiting of-
ficers were very busy for one
or two years. Business of every description
was brisk, and all kinds of provision? were
high — wheat two dollars and fifty cents per
bushel; corn one dollar and twenty-five
cents; pork eighteen to twenty dollars a bar-
rel, and everything else in the iine of pro-
visions proportionally hieh.
D. Yabington.
POSTAGE FIFTY YEARS AGO.
Now We Send One Ounce Anywhere In
the United States for Two Cent*.
Fifty years ago the rates of postage in the
United States were six cents for a letter, if
not carried over 30 miles, 10 cents, if carried
over 30 miles and not over 80 miles, 12K<
cents if over 80 and not over 150 miles, 18%
cents between 150 and 100 miles, and 25
cents for any distance over 400 miles.
Double letters, or letters composed of two
pieces of paper, were double these rates.
Every distinct piece of paper, if written on,
was liable to single-rate letter postage. En-
velopes were then unknown in this country.
If used, they would have subjected letters to
double postage. The fourth page of the
letter sheet was left vacant, and the letter
was so folded as to bring a part of this page
on the outside of (he letter aud thus furnish
a place for the superscription or address.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
131
AFTER THE BATTLE.
Some Old Accounts forSupplies Furnished
the SoIdici'M at A\'esli)iorel ind — Some
Blackmail Biatoricat Diita
Following are some extracts from an old
pocket account- book of Elisha Blackman;
Sr., of Wilkes-Barre (Westmoreland) in
1778, the same now being in my possession:
"Account again s William Stuard and the
foragemaster at Westmore Land.
"To one note of hand £13 GO
"To one order of the forage-
master 12 0 0
"Ots to the foragemaster 6 60
"To corn 14 8 0
"To hay 10 10 0
£56 10 0"
Then again afterwards the same matter as
follows:
"Westmore Land. November ye 25, 1778.
"Nots and orders that I left with Mr.
Daniel Downin.
"To one not agains William
Stuerd for pork £13 6 0
" One order for potatoes 12 0 0
" Ots for the arme 6 60
" Corn for the arme 14 8 0
" Hay for the arme 10 10 0
£56 10 0"
This being Connecticut currency, 6s. to the
dollar would, in United States money,
amount to S 188 33}£.
This Elisha Blackman wa3 the lieutenant
of the old men, the "Reformadqes," that
were in possession of the Wilkes-Barre fort,
or stockade, on the day of the massacre at
Wyomiug, July 3. 1778. On the next day,
the 4th, after the women and children, and
all the other old men in Wilkes Barre and
the neighborhood had tied aeros- the moun-
tain toward Strondsburg, he left the fort
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon with his
son, Elisha Blackman, Jr. — who had been in
the battle at Wyoming the day
before and had escaped — rnd lied
down the river. and across the
country by the Wapwallopen Crefk to
Stroudsburg. Elisha, Jr.. came back to
Wilkes-Barre early in August with Capt.
Spalding's remnant of the two companies
of the Wyomiug or Westmoreland soldiers
that had been m Washington's army. After
saving such of the crops of his father's farm
and others as he could and helping to bury
the dead at Wyoming he enlisted in Washing-
ton's army and served to the end of the war
—1783
The old gentleman, Elisha, Sr., went on to
Connecticut with his family, which he had
found at . Stroudsburg, but returned to
Wilkes-Barre the same year, 1778, and dis-
posed of his crops, or some of them, to the
government lor the soldiers stationed at
Wilkes-Barre and the neighborhood. The
potatoes and oats, coin and hay, or grass,
could not be wholly destroyed by the In-
dians. But how could this pork have been
saved? Was it buried in the ground 'i
Youug Elisha's mother had buried his cloth-
ing to keep the Indians from getting it,
before she, with the rest of the children, two
boys, 13 and 16, a>id two girls older than
those, fled to the mountain, and young Elisha
never saw her after the massacre until the
war ended in 1783. On his discharge from
the army he went to Connecticut, not so very
fa. from Newberg, where the army was dis-
banded, and when he returned to Wilkes-
Barre in 1786 his buried clothes were all rot-
ten. (His father returned to Wilkes-Barre to
reside in 1787.) But why had not his mother
told his father where they were buried,
so that when he was here in
1778 he might have dug them
up and saved them? It seems that some of
the people had forethought and courage
enough, the night and day after the battle
and massacre, to bury their most valuable
property that could not be carried away on
their backs across the mountains and through
the woods and the great swamp. There were
no roads nor scarcely paths in that direction,
for that was toward Pennsylvania and not
New England settlements. H. B. Plumb.
Jones Family of Bethlehem.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Jones went to Beth-
lehem April 18 to attend the golden wed-
ding of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Jones. There
was a happy family reunion. The house
wherein the wedding took place occupied
the site of the old homestead built by John
Jones, who bought the whole tract lyiug be-
tween Bethlehem and Ereemansburg 150
years ago. On this farm they lived 33 years,
and hero their eleven children were born,
only rive of whom are now living. The
grandchild last born— a son of Mr. and Mrs.
Geo ge 11. Jones — was baptized on Monday
evening, in the presence of the assembled
family, by Rev. Robert W. Jones, Earl
Andre was the baptismal name. Ttie hi-tory
and lineage of the Jones family of Bethle-
hem Township was traced and embodied in
an article published in the Pennsylvania
Magazine of History and Bioyrtiphy for
1880, by Prof. Joseph Henry Dubbs, D. D.,
of Lancaster, Pa., whose grandmother was
a Jones. Grirtith Jones, tho first of the hue,
was born in Wales*, and died in Montgomery
County, Pa., in 1720. His son, John, was
the first of the family in this vicinity, and
the grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. George
Jones are the seventh generation.
132
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
Meteoric Slioiver of is:*.:..
In response to the Record's inquiry if any
of its readers could describe the meteoric
tthower of 1833, A. G. Stilwell sends the fol-
lowing reminiscence:
The writer was twenty years of age at that
date, Nov. 12, 1833, a resident oi Susque-
hanna County. The day previous, prepara-
tions were being made by his father and
self to start early for Philadelphia. About
3 am. we were astir to feed and hitch up
dobbin, it was before the days of railroad?.
Upon looking out doors a sight new and
dazzling was presented. In the E*st, West,
North and South appeared, tilling the air by
the millions softly and quietly falling to-
wards the earth, particles of fire like snow-
flakes; but none of them by very close ex-
amination could be seen to touch the earth.
None fell at the feet: but like the foot of the
rain-bow, when approached receded. The
morning was cool and very pleasant weather
followed into October. The recollection of
the phenomenon is very vivid, but what it
was I do not know; probably it was gas,
having the appearance of fire and yet with-
out heat. Singular as it may appear, no
effort made to secure or touch the fire with
the hand was successful. When within a
few feet of the earth it seemed to dissolve.
HON. II. B. PLUME'S BECOLLECTION.
The author of the History of Hanover
Township thus writes:
In the Record of April 27 you ask who
among your readers can recall the wonder-
ful meteoric display of Nov. 12, 1833. I, for
one, can recall it.
On the morning of th8 13th, about 4
o'clock, my mother awoke me and had me
get up and go to the door with her. There
she told me to look up at the sky. I looked
up, facing the south. I probably looked in
every direction from the door toward the
south, but I have a recollection only of look-
ing at the sky towards the south. The sky
was all brightly lighted up by the flashing
shootiug stars. According to my rejoliec-
tion they all shot towards the west. The
tails were not quite as long, according to my
recollection, as that of an ordinary shooting
star, but they were constantly, incessantly
flashing, wherever I looked, all ^oing the
same way — the same direction — towards the
west. There was not in any direction, from
any flashing star a vacant space, without
any shooting star in it, as wide or great as
two diameters of the full moon. The tails
6eem to me to have been as long as five or
six diameters of the full moon. My mother
told me to remember that I was four years
old that day. That day was my birthday. I
was too young to be frightened at it, and I
have just asked my mother about it. and she
was not frightened, because her father was
thero looking at them, and he did not seem
afraid and so she wasn't. She says she did
not know but he was used to such sights, and
had seen them often before, and knew all
about it. The next day, that is the same day
after it got light, she went to Wilkes-Barre,
and there was great excitement thero. The
M ethodists had heid prayers during the night,
she learned, aud some had prayed all night.
See also Plumb's history of Hanover, page
292. H. B. Plumb.
AS SEEN AT WILLIAMSrOliT.
Col. Meginness' Historical Journal, pub-
lished at Williamsport, pives the following
reminiscence of an eje-witness:
"A single glance from the window con-
vinced us that either the stars were falling or
that some strange phenomenon was taking
place. The airseemed to be filled with fall-
ing fire, each separate particle of which was
apparently as large as the big flakes of snow
that sometimes fall on a soft day in winter.
The falling fire, or whatever it was. made it
as light as when the full moon is shining on
a clear night, and looking far up towards
the sky we could fix our eyes upon a single
one of the falling meteors and trace it until
it almost reached the ground, upon which
none of them could be seen to alisht. Some
of the meteors assumed fantastic shapes and
our fears were terrible. When we fiually
calmed ourselves enough to reason together,
we found that by fixing our gaze upon the
real stars, that were shining brightly in the
heavens, we could see that they were not
falling. This allayed our fears, and from
the moment that discovery was made, we
feasted our eyes upon the falling meteors
until daylight shut them from our view. But
few of our neighbors witnessed the strange
sight, and those who did not were loth to be-
lieve the occurrence as we related it to be
real. We, however, were pleased to know,
when we saw the newspapers, that the singu-
lar phenomenon had been witnessed all over
the world, and that we had seen the wonder-
ful sight of that remarkable night of No-
vember 12, 1833."
By the death of Col. James Boone, of
Lancaster, Montgomery County now claims
that she has living within her limits the old-
est Odd Fellow in Pennsylvania, in the per-
son of Geo. F. Schaerl, who was initiated
ear y in March. 1828, in Philadelphia. He
is now living at Blue Bell, in robust health,
and is a member of Centre Square Lodge,
No. 20-i.-— Xorristown Herald.
Major W. P. Elliott, an account of whom
appeared in the March Historical Record
as being the oldest printer in the United
Stales, died at Lewiston, April 2, 1687,
aged 94.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
ra
A Wildcat liemiiiiiicence.
A Reooed man succeeded the oilier day in
corralling Councilman S. H. Lynch at a mo-
ment when he was not absorbed in municipal
affairs and asked hint for some particulars
as to an adventure he hud many years ago
with a wildcat. Mr. Lynch replied that it
would give him pleasure to have the story
embalmed in the Record and here is how he
told it:
In the winter of 1831 two boys were stand-
ing on the banks of the Susquehanna at
Wilkes-Barre, near what was then the resi-
dence of Samuel Raub. One of the boys
lived in the house which stood about where
W. L. Conyngham's house now stands. The
river was covered with ice, which had been
crushed by a recent rise in the river and had
again frozen up. As they were gazing at
the ice they heard a voice from the opposite
bank calling ''Bring over your dogs, bring
ovf-r your dogs." There were two dogs at-
tending upon the lads, one called "Mingo"
and the other "Major," which
had doubtless been seen by the
opposite party. The two boys lived but to
obey, and without considering the risk of
the uncertain ice they immediately plunged
down the bank, crossed the river and were
received by a hunter with a riiie over his
shoulder, who told them that he had chased
a wildcat from Ross Hill and had lost it in
the trees and bushes at the bend of the river.
Here was something worth coming over the
ice for: and they, with the dogs, began to
beat up the bush, and were not long in
starting the cat. Backwards and forwards
they tramped, throwing clubs and stones at
the animal whenever he appeared in sight,
expecting he would tree, but he was too
sharp for that. After workiug through the
weeds for an hour or more, they lost track of
the critter, and while searching in the trees
for him a rifle crack rang out on the air
some distance west of their position,
and rushing forward, they soon got sight of
the hnnter, and there at the foot of a tree
lay the largest kind of a wildcat. 1 he dogs
rushed in, but more sneeduy rushed out, as
the cat, being wounded used his claws with
terrible effect, and no urging could induce
them to make another charge, and it re-
quired another shot through the head before
the game was up. The hunter shouldered
his rifle and the cat and brought it over to
town, and it was said to be the large -t wild-
cat ever seen hereabouts. The hunter wa*
John Myers, father of Lawrence Myers, of
this city. One of the boys wa< John Raub.
who died a short time since in Virginia, and
the other boy was Mr. Lynch himself.
The Half Has Not Iicen Told.
Editoh Recobd: Here is a little pieco of
history as related (o me by J. T. Bennett in
a recent loiter:
"in the year 1828 and 1829, my father
had a contract on the canal below the dam
across the river at Nanticoke Falls. I was
there with him. They were Yankees and
Dutch on that section, and they were all
Irish below and above. They broke out
like wild tigers and came on with clubs
and crow-bars and everything they could get
in their hands that would kill a man. My
father went to see what was the matter, and
they ran after him and he went down a bank
twelve feet, and 1 saw theso Irishmen break
a rail in two just as his head passed the bank
and it was only about four inches off. I ran
up the canal and 1 saw a lot coming towards
me and then I ran to the river. It was very
high at that time, I saw that it was my only
chance for my life aud in I went and started
for the other side, but it so happened that
there had been a small boat there and some
had got into it and started to cross the river.
I was about a quarter of a mile off and I
went to them. My fattier was in the boat
and when we got up to Col. Washington
Lee's, we found a man going to town
(Wilkes-Barre). His name was Jurdon
Womelsdorf. My father sent a letter by
him to the sheriff aud by midnight there
was a good party from town down there. I
stopped all night at my uncle's, Thotnaa
Bennett, [he kept a tavern or hotel in Nan-
ticoke], They killed David Ehrett right by
the place where my father was and I ran up
the river and swam down and out.— And the
half has not been told yet." p
Death of Mrs. Livingston.
At 1 o'clock Monday, April 4, Mrs. Isaac
Livingston, wife of our well Known mer-
chant,died at her residence, 84 Public Square,
after a lengthy illness. She was born in Ba-
varia July 9, 1829, and came to this city
when a young woman. Her tirst husband
was Louis Reese, who was shot aud killed on
the Kingston flats. Thirty-two years ago
she married Mr. Livingston aud their life
together was a happy aud prosperous one.
She leaves one child by her first marriage,
Sarah, wife of A. Reese, of Plymouth. Two
sons, Moses and Harry, and three daughters,
Mamie, Gussie and Jennie, survive from her
second marriage.
For more than 20 years she has snffered
from a liver affection that more than once
threatened to terminate her life, but ine-li-
cal skill succeeded in averting the crisis.
For the past few months, however, it had
become evident that the end was not far off.
134
THE HISTORICAL 1 1 ECU 111 J.
Fifty Years ol" Married Life.
A very pleasant gathering assembled
Wednesday, May 4. at the residence of
William ft. Wells, on River Street, the
occasion being the fiftieth anniversary of
the marriage of thu host and hostess,
which took place in Kingston May 4,
1837. Mr. Wells had recently come to
the valley from Massachusetts, Miss
Jackson, his bride, being of English parent-
age. Besides the 21 children and grand-
children.gathered from Meboopany, Carbon-
dale and this city, old friends and relatives
of the family to the number of 50 or more
were present to do honor to the interesting
event. Miss Edith, daughter of Charles D.
Wells, in a neat little speech presented her
grandmother with a handsome gold ring.
Rev. W. W. Loomis made some happy re-
marks, recounting his personal knowledge
ofthelougand happy married life of the
parties, in which he stated that statistics
show that not more than one couple in every
thirteen thousand who enter upon the mar-
riage relation ever live to see the fiftieth
anniversary of that, the most important
event in their lives. He reminded them that
in the natural course of events they
must be now nearing the end of the journey
they had for so long traveled in friendly
company, reminding them that though they
may be parted here for a season, yet their
souls will soon be joined in happy union
jn that heaven to which we are
all hastening, unless the great gulph shall
divide us from those we love. In the name,
and on behalf of the son and daughters, he
then presented Mr. Wells with a valuable
gold watch, which was received by Mr.
Wells, who called upon Rev. Tuttle to make
the response in the name of the recipients,
which he did in a very happy manner and at
pome length.
This portion of the ceremonies being now
over, a bountiful repast was spread before
the guests, to which they did ample justice,
a band of music on the front porch enliven-
ing the scene by discoursing some sweet airs
during supper. Besides the presents enum-
erated the handsome parlors were newly fur-
nished with a set of handsome furniture, a
present from the son and daughters and
their husbands present.
The bride and groom of 50 years ago were
in excellent health and spirits; the bride
looking bright and cheery, the groom digni-
fied and patriarchal. Long may they live
to enjoy the peace and quiet of their length-
ened years, the comforts of homo and the
society of their children and grandchildren.
Wilkes-Barre in 1827.
Wilkes-Barre, March 28, 1887.— Editor
Record: Your notice in this morning's paper
of it being 25 years since Mr. II. II. Derr ar-
rived in Wilkes-Barre, and the remarks as to
increase in population, modes of travel, etc.,
reminds mo that it is just 00 years since I
walked down the mountain and into Wilkes-
Barre. My father bought a "Jersey wagon"
(covered) and two horses in Philadelphia to
convey his family to Wyoming Valley, 'hav-
ing there engaged with Mr. Thomas Dow to
cultivate bis farm "on shares";. We left
Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon, reach-
ed Heller's tavern at the Wind Gap, Blue
Mountain, on Saturday evening — rested over
Sunday — resumed our journey on Monday,
anil on Tuesday afternoon arrived in Wilkes-
Barre, April 1, 1827 and took possession of
the farm. The house (of logs) was about l1^
miles from the court house, on what is now
Bazle Avenue, then Lowrytown Road; this
house and another small log house at the
corner of Main and Blackmau Streets, were
the only dwellings on the place. I presume
there are now living on the same property,
more inhabitants than there were at that
time in the borough of Wilkes-Barre. The
only house between our house and the home-
stead of General W. M. Ross, on Main Street,
was Judge Rhone's (then McCarragher's)
and a small house and distillery on Dana lot,
where a small stream crosses the road.
Richard Shap.pe.
A short time ago you published a com-
munication in reference to the cold, wet
summer of 1816 and asked if any other of
your readers could furnish items in relation
thereto. 1 well remember going with my
father into the harvest field and seeing him
untie the sheaves of wheat and spreading
them out to dry, and this on account of fre-
quent showers. The process had to be re-
peated before the grain could be housed or
stacked. Owing to the wet weather a large
amount of the grain sprouted, and I remem-
ber the bread made from it tasted as though
sweetened with sugar. b. s.
What is believed to be the original charter
of Philadelphia, made in 1691, has been dis-
covered among some old papers of. Colonel
Alexander Biddle. This document antedates
by ten years, the charter of 1701, which is
in the museum of Independence Hall.
"A History of the Region of Pennsylva-
nia North of the Ohio and West of the Al-
legheny River, of the Indian Purchases and
of the Running of the Southern, Northern
and Western State Boundaries," is the title
of a work edited by Hon. Daniel Agnew.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
135
Etymology of "Susquehanna."
Hockcwelder, in bis "Indian Names of
Rivers, Creeks and other Noted Places in
Pennsylvania, together with their meaning,
tVc, (original MS., Hist. Soc. Pa.), states :
•The Indian, (Lenape) distinguish theRiver
which we call Susquehanna thus: The North
Branch they call M'ehwewamisipu, or to
shorten it M'chw.ewormink, from which we
have called it Wyoming. The word implies:
the Hirer on which are extensive clear Flats.
The Six Nations, according to Pyrheus
[Moravian missionary] call it Gahonta,
which had the same meaning.
"The West Branch they call Quenischa-
chachgekhanne, but to shorten it they say
Quenisehachaohki. The word implies: the
River which has the long reaches or straight
courses in it.
"From the forks, where now the town
Northumberland stands, downwards, they
have a name (this word I have lost) which
implies: the Great Bay River. The word
Susquehanna, properly Sisquehanne, from
Sisku for mud, and hanne, a stream, was
probably at an early time of the settling of
this country, overheard by some white per-
son while the Indians were at the time of a
flood or freshet remarking: Juh! Achsis
quehanne or Sisquehanna which is: how
muddy the stream is, and therefore taken as
the proper name of the River. Any stream
that has become muddy, will at the time it
is so, be called Sisquehanna.1' — Pennsyl-
vania Magazine of History and Biography
for April.
An Iuteresting Historical Work.
Daniel Kulp Cassel, of 4138 Germantown
Avenue, Philadelphia, has secured the copy-
right of a work upon which he has been en-
gaged for several years past, embracing the
history of the Mennonites. The work is of
more than local interest, for while it gives a
very complete and authentic genealogical
record of the early eettlers, it likewise em-
braces within its pages, facts gleaned from
all parts of the world bearing upon the his-
tory of this Christian sect. The work will,
when published, a few months hence, be a
volume of about three hundred pages.
Among the topics treated might be mention-
ed the following: Baptism in the early cen-
turies; the Mennonite meetings in Ger-
mantown from 1683 down; tiie names of
the subscribers to the building of the first
Mennonite Church in 1708, and also those
who subscribed for the rebuilding of the
edifice in 1770; sketches of old meeting
houses; history of the Mennonites of Vir-
ginia, Missouri and adjacent States and Ter-
ritories, and genealogical matters connected
with many of the families of Germantown
and vicinity, including the Kolbs, (now
Kulp) Rittenhouses, Keysers, Cassels and
others. While the copy is almost ready for
the printers1 hands, Mr. Cas3el is still pre-
pared to add any additional matter of an
appropriate character, and any person in the
possession of information bearing on the
subject is cordially invited to correspond
with him. — Nicetown Signal.
Mr. Cassel, the author of tho above stated
work, is a relative of Geo. B. Kulp, Esq., of
this city.
Could Not Kead His Own Writing:.
Niagara Falls, April 14, 1887.— Editob
Record: I am reminded by the wrapper
enclosing the Record this morning, that my
subscription for the year, expires May 1st,
and as I desire to have it continued, I write
thus early that not a day may be lost of the
satisfaction I take in perusing its coutents.
I am always interested in everything relating
in the Valley of Wyoming, tho home of my
youth. By this last sentence, I am forcibly
reminded that on Saturday last, (tho 0th,) I
passed my 75th, anniversary, well and active
as a boy. At my office regularly and ready
at all times to attend to business affairs as
they may be presented from day to day,
for action. I am reminded of an anecdote
of many years ago during the life time of
Judge Dyer, tho borough justice of Wilkes
Barre, a man well known there in his day,
and noted for his unintelligible hand writ-
ing. He once put a warrant in the hands of
"old Michael," the then high constable of
the borough, for the arrest of a man for
some trivial offence. The man was brought
before the justice, and the attorney for the
defendant took the warrant from tho con-
stable, but could not read it, and handed it
over to the judge to interpret it, but he soon
handed it back saying, "If you expect me to
read my own hand writing you must let me
see it before it gets cold," much to the
amusement of those present. And I find
even in this ago of progress, some of the let-
ters received require the shrewdness of two
or three Philadelphia lawyers to interpret
them, and should impress upon all letter
writers and correspondents 'the importance
of writing a plain hand. S. Petteuone.
The Historical Record is on file in the
library of the Historical Society of Penn-
sylvania, as are also the Proceedings and
Collections of the Wyoming Historical
and Geological Society.
Dr. B. H. Throop's historical notes, which
have been running in the Scranton Argus
for some weeks have been neatly reprinted
in pamphlet form for the Lackawanna In-
stitute of History and Science.
13(j
THE HISTORICAL RECORD
The West Branch magazine.
The initial number of tho Historical
Journal, a monthly record devoted princi-
pally to preserving the local history in the
West Branch Valley of tho Susquehanna and
Northeastern Pennsylvania in general, has
made its appearance. It comprises 33 pages,
is edited by John F. Meginness, of the Will-
iamsport Gazette and Bulletin. Some 30
years ago Mr. Megiuness wrote a history of
the West Branch region under the title of
"Otzinaehson." He now contemplates a
now edition, but has a large amount of
material that is more suited to a magazine
than to a local history, consequently he
has undertaken the publication in question.
It will be made up of fragments of history
that would otherwise be lost — reminiscences
of pioneers, Indian remains, necrology,
longevity, and a host of other interesting
features. Among the contained matter are
articles on Rev. John Bryson. a pioneer
Presbyterian divine, stature of Revolution-
ary soldiers, meteoric shower of 1833, early
Methodism in Centre County, latitude of
Wilkes -Barre (reprinted from the Record)
and numerous other articles and short items
of statistics and manufactures also receive
some interesting attention. The subscrip-
tion price is S2 per annum.
An Instance of Indian Prohibition.
lion. John Blair Linn, of Bellefonte, says
in the Historical Journal that the country
about the mouth of Lycoming Creek was in
1753 the domain of French Margaret, a
Canadian, and niece of Madame Montour.
Williamsport now occupies the site of her
village, which was noted on Scull's map of
1759 as ''French Margaret's Town." She
was visited in 1753 by J. Martin Mack, the
well known Moravian missionary among the
Indians, who writes thus in his journal:
In the course of conversation, for she was
very communicative, she stated that her sou
and son-in-law had been killed in the winter
while on a maraud against the Creeks. On
asking permission to deposit our packs with
her, until our return from the Delaware town
of Quenisehaehschocheny, (Linden,) 'Oh,'
said she, 'the Indians there have been
drinkiug hard the past week, and you will
likely find them all drunk!' 'On our return
she gave us a refreshing draught of milk and
entertained us with the family news, speak-
ing of Andrew and of her husband, Peter
Quebec, who she said had not drank rum
within six years. She has prohibited its use
in her town, and yet although she lias
initiated other reformatory measures
within her little realm, she enjoys the re-
spect and confidence of her subjects.
Where the Levari Letter Came From.
In the last issue of the Recohd appeared
tv/o hitherto unpublished letters, one of them
relative to the provisioning of Fort Allen
(now Allen town) '131 years ago. the writer
being Jacob Levan. We are informed by
Rev. F. K. Levan, of this city, who is a dili-
gent student of the early history of North-
eastern Pennsylvania, that the Mr. Levan
who wrote tho letter is the ance-tor of the
Maxatawny branch of the family. The orig-
inal lettor was in the possession of the late
Mr. Miekley, the well known Philadelphia
antiquarian, and probably has passed into
the possession of the Historical Society of
Pennsylvania. The letter published in the
Record is a fren translation from the
original German, made for our contributor,
Mr. C. F. Hill, b\ Kev. Mr. Levan. who had
possession of a\i rbatim copy of the letter,
made by Mr. Miekley himself. The copy is
in the possession of Mr. Levan. Hf laid
great store by the original and offered Mr.
Miekley a handsome amount for it, bat its
possessor declined to part with it. \Ve would
be pleased to learn the exact whereabouts of
the original.
Scheussel's large canvass, "Zeisberger
Preaching to the Indians," painted in 1^58,
at the solicitation of John Jordan. Jr., and
Mr. Skirving, of Philadelphia, and Mr. Ru-
fus Grider, of Bethlehem, which attracted
considerable attention at the Centennial,
was shipped recently to London, England,
to bo placed among che American exhibits
in the exhibition. John Jordan, Jr.. who
was the owner of the painting, presented it
to the Moravian Society for the promotion
of the gospel among the heathen, and it has
been kept for some years in the archive
room of tho church at Bethlehem. The
painting, which is considered Scheussel's
masterpiece, is valued at 85,000, and has
been reproduced as a steel engraving. It
was loaned at the earnest solicitation of the
directors of the exhibition, some of them
having seen it at the Centennial.
Pennsylvania is an immense State, yet it
doesn't seem large enough to contain more
than one Revolutionary pensioner, a Mrs.
Betz, for whose benefit a bill was introduced
in the Senate some weeks ago, the object of
which is to increase the meagre stipend she
at present receives from the State-Treasury.
Mrs. Betz, who has been a resident of Har-
risburg ever since her husband died, thirty-
four years ago, was the second wife of Peter
Betz, a drummer boy in the Revolutionary
war, to whom she was married in ltLL she
being then only 16 years of age, while her
husband was 55. The venerable dame is
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
1.37
now 89 years old, but for all that is reported
to be quite vivacious aud likely to "hold the
fort" tor some years to come as Pennsyl-
vania^ only Revolutionary pensioner.—
Exchange.
DEATH OF CHARLES STUKDEV.IXT.
A Representative of a Pioneer Family
Fasses From Life— Hit* IVIother "was iu
the Balrle of Wyomintr.
Charles Sturdevant died at his residence
on Hanover Street, April 13, 1887, aged
about 75 years, having been born in Brain-
trim Township, Luzerne County, now Wyonia
ing County, Nov. 12, 1812. With but a
single exception (that of an elder sister) he
was the lastof a large family of brothers and
sisters. His brothers were Major John
Sturdevant, Gen. E.W. Sturdevant and L. D.
Sturdevant, who all died within the last few
years, aged respectively 83, 78 and 82 years.
His father, Samuel Sturdevant, emigrated
from Connecticut in 1792 and settled upon
the banks of the Susquehanna River some
40 miles above the Wyoming Valley, where
he became a prornmont business man.
The man to whose memory we devote a
few passing moments was a merchant in
Braintriin until the year 1850, when he re-
moved to this city, where he entered into
business in the old Sidney Tracy building,
corner of Franklin and Market Streets,
where now stands the Wyoming National
Bank.
In 18G2 he entered the army, serving in
the Excelsior Brigade, under Maj. Gen.
Sickles and with the 2d Army Corps under
Maj. Gen. Hancock until the close of the
Wat. Since that time he has lived upon the
farm iu South Wilkes-Barre where he passed
peacefully away. He was a silent man
among men, but the grand old forest trees
had a language for him, and the wild bird on
hill had no fear at his coming. He was a
man full of affection and was loved most by
those that knew him best. His wife, a
daughter of the late Maj. I. H. Ross, and four
daughters survive. One daughter is the
wife of Nathan Bennett, Esq. Another
the widow of the late Allan Brotherhood.
Another is the widow of the late Ziba Faser,
and a fourth, Miss Sallie, has occupied a re-
sponsible position for several years in the
postoffiee. in charge of the money order and
registered letter department.
Deceased comes from a highly respected
family who figured prominently in the early
history of the Wyoming region. His parents
were Connecticut people, aud it may not be
generally known that his mother was in the
Wyoming fort at the time of th« massacre
of 1778. She was Elizabeth, daughter of
John N. Skinner, and her grandfather was
one of the aged men in charge of the fort as
protectors of the women and children. Her
father was in the light. Elizabeth, then u
child, and her parents went on foot,
with the women and children spared
by tho Indians, through the wilderneses
called the "Shades of Death," to tho Dela-
ware Rivor and thence to Connecticut. The
grandfather of deceased, Rev. Samuel
Sturdevaut, was a Baptist minister and
preached the first sermon known to have
been preached by a white man in Abington.
Previous to his ministerial life ho served
throughout the Revolutionary war as an
orderly sergeant and captain. After tho
war he emigrated to Black Walnut, now
Wyoming County, where he engaged in
farming, and continued to reside
until his death in 1828. The
maternal grandfather of the subject
of this sketch was Ebenezer Skinner, who
located in 177b' at the north of the Tuscarora
Creek, 12 miles below Wyalusiug, on lauds
adjourning the purchase of Rev. Mr. Sturde-
vant. At the advance of the Indians down
the valley in 1778, he and his family went to
Forty Fort, by canoe down the Susquehanna
River, that being then and for many years
the only means of travel up and down the
river. _
Death of Mrs. Ferry.
About noon May 5 Mrs. Ann Ferry, re-
lict of the late Richard Perry, and mother of
our townsman, J. R. Perry, died at the resi-
dence of her daughter, Mrs. Susan Stem, 350
North Mam Street, aged 92 years. She had
resided in this community many years and
was generally kuown and highly respected.
She is survived by nine children, six sons
and three daughters. Six of her children
are now living in this city, J. R., H. C. and
S. R. Perry, Mrs. Stern, Mrs. Mary Neiman
and Mrs. Margaret Krantz, tho latter two re-
siding on Kulp Avenue. The funeral took
place Saturday at 4 pm. with interment
in Hollenback cemetery.
Death of a Forty Fort Lady.
Miss Matilda Ann Adams, sister of Mrs.
Rev. E. H. Snowden, of Forty Fort, died at
the residence of tho latter Thursday, April 14,
aged 81 years. About a month ago Miss
Adams met with an accident by which she
broke one of her arms and sustained
internal injuries. For a while she seemed to
improve, put her extreme age seemed to be
against her ultimate recovery and in the be-
ginning of the week a change for the
worse was noticeable. Deceased was a lady
universally respected and her friends were
legion. Services were held at the house
Sunday, at 4 pm., Rev. Dr. Hodge officiat-
ing. On Monday the remains were con-
veyed to Newberg, N. 1\, and interred in the
family vault.
138
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
KEY. I. U, TOKRENCK.
Hie Severe A Miction— Extensive Acquaint-
ance With Leading Divines— Interest-
ing Personal Kemiinsceuces.
The friends of Rev. lrvin H. Torrence in
the West Branch Valley— and ho has mauy
of them — will regret to learn that he is al-
most totally blind, and therefore deprived
from moving about without assistance.
Colonel J. Sallade, of Williamsport, who
recently visited him at his home at River-
side, opposite Danville, says:
"Among the many regrets we have for the
great affliction that now deprives our old
and dear friend of his sight, is that we fear
he will be unable to carry out his intontion
of writing a book of facts and incidents of a
44, years' ministerial life, 34 of which were
devoted to the Bible Society of all denomi-
nations. Perhaps no man in the State has
come in contact with more of the older
families, or preached iu as many pulpits of
different denominations than Mr. Toirence.
His associations with clergymen, such as
Bishops Potter, Bowman and Stevens of
the Protestant Episcopal: Myer and Demnie
of the Lutheran; Barnc-?, Boardman and
Brainord of the Presbyterian: Smith and
Full of the Baptist, and Durbin, Simpson
and Bowman of the M. E. church, and John
Chambers, Independent, were close and in-
timate for years, because of their relations
to the Bible Society. Aside from these he
was intimately acquainted with hundreds of
others.
"Mr. Torrence, I venture to say, occu-
pied more pulpits of more denominations
than any other divine in the State of Penn-
sylvania, and he has also preached at sea
iu a steamship while returning from Europe.
and he has talked and sung with more Sun-
day school children, not excepting John
VVanamaker, than any other man. He has
also talked and sung to childent from the
steps of the King's palace in Germany and
talked to hundreds of students in Basle,
Switzerland.
"He was personally acquainted with all the
governors of the State from Porter to
Beaver. The former was elected in 1838
and the latter in 188(3.
"During the war he was appointed a com-
missioner to proceed to the Southern Con-
federacy to relieve the prisoners in Libby
and on Belle Isle, lie projected a plan to
relieve the prisoners at the time of the ex-
change dead-lock. The hearts of the great
North was moved in sj mpathy for the suf-
ferers, and large amounts of money and
provisions could have been raised if he could
have reached the prisoners.
"At this point Mr. Torrence devised a plan
to reach them, which was endorsed by Gov-
ernor Curtin, Secretary Stanton, General
Hallock and President Lincoln. The names
of these gentlemen are now in the hands of
Mr. Torrence respectively endorsing his
plans, which are among the unpublished re-
cords of the war.
"There was placed at his disposal by the
war department the flag ship New York,
Captain Mumford commanding, which
conveyed him to City Point. On his
arrival there he opened a correspon-
dence with the Confederacy, havirjg had a
personal acquaintance with Jeff Davis. In
responso Mr. Davis sent the Roanoke Hag
ship and a conference was held with Mr.
Torrence, and his plans were carried back
for the relief of the prisoner*. White nego-
tiations were pending Gen. Butler was put
in command at Fortress Monroe, and tie
abruptly stopped all communication-, ex-
cept to allow the sending of vaccine matter,
as the small pox was then prevailing to an
alarming extent in the Confederate prisons
where Union men were held.
•'Thus one of the most humane enterprises
of the war was defeated and the flag ship
with Mr. Torrence returned from the mission
of mercy."
Mr. Torrence first commenced preaching
in the West Branch Valley, and here his
earliest friendships were formed. Although
unable to travel and meet his friends as of
yore, they will be glad to learu that he is
surrounded with comfort, that he is resigned
aud happy in the consciousness of having
done a good work and served his Master
faithfully. — Williamsport Gazette and
Bulletin.
Death of Mrs. Hugh McGroarty.
On May 16 Mrs. Hugh McGroarty, a highly
esteemed lady of Miner's Mills, died after
less than a week's illness.
Mrs. McGroarty was born in Glautes,
County Donegal, Ireland, in 1817. Iu 1832
she was married to Mr. McGroarty in the
same parish, and in 18*.38 Mr. and Mrs. Mc-
Groarty came to America and settled at
Summit Hill, Carbon County. Subsequently
they removed to Buck Mountain and thence
to Sugar Notch, and in 18t>6Mr. McGroarty
established the Miner's Mills Hotel, of which
he continued to be proprietor until 1881.
Mrs. McGroarty was a highly intelligent
woman, having a large acquaintance with
English literature, in which she turned her
attention chiefly to poetry. For 30 years
she had been a subscriber to the Boston
Pilot. Deceased leaves Ave children, Mrs.
Michael Farrell, of Sugar Notch; Mrs. John
Murrin, of Carbondale; Mrs. Michael Mc-
Hale, Miner's Mills: Hugh McGroarty, Jr.,
and John S. McGroarty. Another son,
Barney, died some years ago. Mrs. Mc-
Groarty was buried at Buck Mountain.
THE HISlOmCAL RECORD.
139
Death of Elias Kobins.
After making a brave battle for life against
a iiio.it painful and relentless disease. Elias
Robins died May 17 at Hot Springs,
Ark., whither ho had gone in the vain hope
of finding relief. Mr. Robins was a sufferor
from sciatic rheumatism of a most acute
and excruciating form and had been unable
to attend to business lor a year or two.
Two months ago he went to Hot Springs
with his wife and daughter, and they were
with him at the last. He appeared to im-
prove at first, but blood poisoning set in to
aggravate his condition, and for some weeks
he could not be moved unless put uuder the
influence of morphine.
Mr. Robins was born in Hanover Town-
ship, Jaly 1, 1820, and spent his boyhood
clays on Ids father's farm. When about 15
years oid he came to Wilkes-Barre as a clerk
for Ziba Bennett, with whom and whose
family he was ever afterwards identified.
Mr. Bennett reposed groat confidence in his
young clerk and seven years later took him
into partnership, the firm also including
Charles Parrish and being styled Bennett,
Parrish & Co. In 1854 the firm was dis-
solved and Mr. Fiobins went to Valparaiso.
Ind., to engage in business, but a few years
experience made him long for the old home
and he accordingly returned to Wilkes-
Barre, going in again with Mr.
Bennett. In 1860 a new firm
was formed — Z. Bennett & Co. — consisting
of Mr. Bennett, Mr. Robins and Philip Ab-
bott. The firm carried on business for 19
years, but a dissolution was rendered neces-
sary in 1879 by the death of the senior part-
ner. Mr. Bennett. The only change was the
taking of Mr. Bennett's interest by the
widow. Priscilla Leo Bennett, the firm name
becoming Bennett <fc Co. About 1832, Mr.
Abbott removed to St. Paul, where he now
resides, and Mrs. Bonnett disposed of her
interest to her grandson, Frank Phelps, who
with Mr. Robins continued the business as
the Bennett Hardware Company up to the
present time.
Mr. Robins was a man of sterling integ-
rity, strictly devoted to business and a man
who was recognized in the community as a
kind husband, an affectionate father and a
most excellent citizen. He mingled little
with the general activities of the town,
though he was at one timo a member of the
i-ehool board and was during all his late years
a trustee and treasurer of thy Home for
Friendless Children, discharging the duties
in a painstaking and faithful manner. He
wan a member of the official board of the
First M. E. Church, a* also a member of the
church and taking an active interest in the
Sunday school.
Mr. Robins was twice married, his first
wife being Mary A. Mills, of Hanover Town-
ship, who bore him five children, of whom
only two are living, Norman, residing in
Indiana, and Mary E., living at home.
The late Mrs. Jesse T. Morgan was a daugh-
ter. His second wife, who survives him, was
Miss Sarah J. Overton.
Deceased was the sou of John Robins,
who was born in New Jersey and settled in
Hanover shortly after 1800. Elias was the
youngest of a family of eight children, of
whom Elizabeth married Lewis Whitlock,
Mary died unmarried in 1880, Cornelius
married Hannah Wiggins, Abner married
Catherine Fastnach, Margaret married
Nathan G. Howe, John G. died unmarried,
and James H. marriod Harriet Monega.
Besides this branch of the Robins family,
Hanover Township has been peopled by
another branch, also from New Jersey, the
two probably having more representatives
than any other name iu the township.
Death of Edward Enterline.
Edward Enter) ine, the well known dealer
in hides, tallow, etc., died Tuesday afternoon,
May 3, at his home on South Main Street,
aged Go years. Mr. Enterline was formerly
a wealthy and prominent citizen of Tainaqua,
whence he came to Wilkes-Barre in 1875.
He was born in Gratz, Dauphin County,
Ang. 8, 1821, where he learned the tanner's
trade. Moving earlj in life to Tamaqua, ho
there became proprietor of a large tannery
in that place and achieved a large fortune,
all of which was lost in the panic of 1873.
Shortly afterward Mr. Enterline removed
to Wilkes-Barre and engaged in the hide and
tallow business in which he has been suc-
cessful. Deceased had been suffering from
heart disease which became complicated
with lung trouble recently, causing him to
take to his bed a few days ago. Mrs. Enter-
line, whom ho married in 1841, is lying ill
at her home suffering from the result of a
surgical operation. Mr. and Mrs. Enterline
have had 10 children, five of whom are still
living, three being daughters, one of whom
is Mr-". C. Ben Johnson, of this city.
The funeral took place from the lato
residence, 250 South Main Street, Friday,
at 7:30 am. Intermont was made at Tama-
qua.
The Doylestown Democrat for March 15,
contains a contribution signed E. M., on-
titled: "New Britain Homesteads— Lands >A
the Delaneys, the Lines Family." The
progenitor of the Hines family came to
America from Ireland about 1720 and the
family have ever since been prominent iu
Bucks County. One of them served his
country as an officer during the Revolution-
ary struggle.
140
TEE HISTORIC A L RECORD.
Capt. Jolm Dennis Dead.
At 2:50 pm. May 3, Capt. John Dennis,
who has been prostrated with a paralytic
stroke, died at his residence in Parsons. He
was born in Booralston, Devonshire, Eng-
land, in 1810 and came to this country in
18-18 and settled in Scrauton. He remained
there until 1851 and then removed to Pitts-
ton, where he resided only about 10 months,
when he removed to Phoenixville, Chester
County. He lived there for three years and
then took up his home in Plymouth, where
he lived until 185(5. Here he entered the
business of contracting lor the sinking of
shafts, etc., in and around the mines. He
sank the Pattou shaft in Poke Hollow, the
first shaft put down on the west side of the
river in this section. In 1856 he moved to
the Empire and was the contractor for the
sinking of that shaft under the superintend-
ence' of Charles Parrish. Ho moved from
tho Empire to Buttonwood in 1859 and
started the sinking of the shaft there but
before it was completed moved to Arlington,
N. J., and from there to Orange County, N.
Y., where he was superintendent of the Erie
lead mines, where he remained long enough
to furnish lead enough to conquer the rebel-
lion, the works which he superintended
sending out 300 tons of lead per month.
He left Orange County in 1807 and moved
to this vicinity where ho remained until the
hour of his death, though he never entered
active business again. In 1881 he was
elected burgess of Plymouth and served
two terms. About a year ago he moved to
Parsons. He was twice married and is sur-
vived by bis second wife and seven children
by his first wife, whom he married in Eng-
land and who died in Wilkes-Barre in 1878.
His eldest son, John, died in Plymouth in
1854. The surviving children are Richard,
now living in San Francisco: William A.,
of San Jose, Cat.; Elizabeth, wife of Daniol
Gunton, of Wilkes-Barre: Samuel J. and F.
H., of Arlington, N. J., and J. R., now re-
siding in New York. He had no children
by his second wife, whose maiden name was
Jjydia Jones, of Plymouth, and to whom he
was united some three years ago.
The funeral took place on Thursday, at
11 am. from the house at Parsons, with in-
terment in Plymouth Cemetery,
Death of V.ertinrri Frauenthal.
Bernard Frauenthal, one of tho most
widely known of Wilkes-Barre merchants,
died at his residence 20 South Main Streol,
at 10:30 pm. April 23, aged 54 years, of a
complication of diseases beginning a month
ago with inflammation of the bowels. The
immediate cause of his death was the rup-
ture of a blood vessel early in the afternoon,
the patient being unable to rally aftor it.
Mr. Frauenthal was born in Bavaria in
1838 and came to America in 1856, settling
in Wilkes-Barre, which has since been hi*
home. He was engaged as clerk for some
time with his brother Samuel, whose place
of business was in one of tho old buildings
on Public Square, just demolished by
Edward Welles. From there he went for a
short time to Pittston, where he managed
his brother's boot and shoe store. While in
Pittston in 1861, he married Mrs. Bomberg,
nee Lowenstein, who owned a dry goods
store in Wilkes-Barre, and shortly thereafter
returned to this city where ho embarked in
the dry goods business at 29 South Main
Street, in which he remained till his death.
Mr. Frauenthal leaves a wife and two
daughters, Rebecca and Carrie. He is also
survived by four brothers, Samuel of this
city, Henry and Abraham, of St. Louis, and
William L., of New York, and by one sister,
Mrs. Solomon Abrahams.
Deceased was a member of 10 lodges,
being a prominent mason of nearly "20
years' standing. He was a member of
Masonic Council. I. O. O. F. and A. L. of H.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday at
2:30. Interment will be in the Jewish
cemetery.
In 1817 the average price of wheat in this
region was $3.50 per bushel. In 1827, the
price was 82. '] he following are the aver-
age prices from that time to 1877, taken
every ten years: 1837, 83.50: 1847, 83.15;
1857, $2.75: 1867, 83.25; 1877, S2. The
present price is about 90 cents per bushel. —
Bucks County Intelligencer.
Death of Miss Kllen C. Rutter.
Miss Ellen Cist Rutter, the condition of
whose health had for a long time been a
source of anxiety to her family and friends,
died at her father's house on River Street
May 21, at about 4 o'clock am. Miss Rutter
had suffered from Bright's disease which the
best medical skill could not expel from her
system.
Miss Rutter was the oldest of N. Rutter's
children, of whom all are now dead save
Miss Natalie, J. N. and Hervey. She was
widely known and esteemed in Wilkes-Barre,
being a woman of sweet Christian character
and affectionate disposition. Her death will
be widely mourned.
The funeral took place from the residence
on North River Street Monday at 5 pm.
with interment at Hollenback Cemetery,
Rev. Dr. Hodge, of whoso congregation de-
ceased was a member, officiating.
'
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
141
DEATH OF MBS. OSTEKHOUT.
End of an Illness Contracted Several
Month* -\^o.
Mrs. Elizabeth Lee Osterhout, widow of
the late Isaac S. Osterhout , died at her horao,
corner of Northampton and Franklin Street^,
April 28, at 2 o'clock am., after an
illness of several months. Her general
health had been good, though her men-
tal faculties seemed to be slightly impaired,
until last January when she suffered a severe
nervous shock, owing to a fall. Mrs.Osterhont
was then compelled to tako to her bed, from
which she never rose. Her death resulted
from a complication of diseases, and on
Monday morning she began rapidly to fail,
taking no nourishment during the last
thirty-six hours of her life.
Mrs. Osterhout's maiden name was Eliza-
beth Cloyd Lee, daughter of Hon. Thomas
Lee, of Port Elizabeth, N. J., where she was
born May 4, IS 13. Her brother, Hon. Ben-
jamin Lee is clerk of the Supreme Court at
Trenton, N. J., a position to which he has
jn^t been reappointed for a further term of
5 years. Francis Lee, of Port Elizabeth, is
another brother, the oldest oi the family,
aced 80 j ears. She leaves one other brother,
Clement, an invalid, of Port Elizabeth. Two
other brothers are dead, as is also a sister,
the family having consisted of 7 children.
In 1840 Miss Lee became Mrs. Isaac S.
Osterhout, her husband being the donor of
the Osterhout bequest lor the foundation
and perpetuation of a free nublic library.
Indeed the idea of this magnificent bequest,
estimated at §300,000, was suggested to Mr.
Osterhout by his wife and the two were
equally interested in the project. Upon his
death Mr. Osterhout bequeathed $30,000 to
his wife and a life interest in one-half of his
real estate. The remainder of his property,
beyond some few minor bequests, being left
to nine trustees to accumulate for five years
and then be utilized in the establishment of
the library
Inquiry of one of the trustees of the library
fund elicited the information that the death
of Mrs. Osterhout would probably in noway
affect the plans of the trustees with regard
to the use oi" the Presbyterian Church, The
income of the trustees will be increased by
about $4,000. making their total annual in-
come, from the estate, in the neighborhood
of $13,000.
The funeral took place April 30, at 3
o'clock. A large number of friends were
present at the services, among them the fol-
lowing relatives, Benjamin Lee and son, of
Trenton, Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson, of Cam-
deu, Dr. and Mrs. Kirby, of Bridgton, N. J.,
Peter M. Osterhout, of Tunkhannock and
Mr. and Mrs. Draper Smith, of Plymouth.
Rev. Henry L. .Jones conducted the service
and there was singing by Mrs. Thomas, Miss
rliilman, Adolph Baurand John B. Yeager.
The pall bearers were .-dx of t tie trustees of
the Osterhout Free Library, Hon. E. L.
Dana, A. H. McCliutock, A. F. J>rr, Sheldon
Reynolds, Dr. Hodge and Hon. H. B. Payne,
the CMrriers being an equal number from St.
Stephen's vestry, 0. M. Brandow, F. J.
Leavenworth, Garrett Smith, S. L. Brown,
Hon. 0. A. Miner and Hon. H. W. Pahnt r.
Owing to the often expressed desire of Mrs,
Osterhout thore were no flowers at her fune-
ral.
Mrs. Ofsterhout's Will.
The last will and testament of the late M rs.
Elizabeth Lee Osterhout, has been filed and
admitted to probate in the office of Register
of Wills Boyd. Its provisions are as follows:
To her sister in-law, Mrs. Jane B. Lee. of
Bridgeton, N. J., widow of her deceased
brother, Lorenzo F., she leaves $2,000.
To her niece Mrs Josephine B. Dickinson,
of Camden, N. J., daughter of her brother
Francis Lee, she leaves $2,000.
To her cousin, Mrs. Anna Lee Paine, wife
of L. C. Paine, she leaves $1,000.
To her cousin, Miss Margaretta C. Lee, of
Wilkes-Barre, she leaves $2,000.
To her cousin, Mrs. Caroline Bickley,
widow of the late Peterson Bickley, $1,0* X).
To Mrs. Elizabeth Colling-, daughter of
the late Andrew Beaumont, $1,100.
To Mrs. Elizabeth Gilchrist, widow of the
late Peter McC. Gilchrist and to Mrs. H. B.
Payne, of Kingston, each $o00.
The furniture and other personal property
of decedent is bequeathed to a number of
her relatives and friends, except her books
and some of her pictures, which are donated
to tho Osterhout Free Library.
All the rest of her estate, real, personal
and mixed, is divided as follows:
To her brother Clement J. Lee, of New-
port, N. J., one- fifth part.
To her brother Francis Lee, of Port
Elizabeth, N. J., one-fifth part.
To her brother Benjamin F. Lee, of Tren-
ton, N. J., one- fifth part.
To her nephew William S. Bowen, of
Philadelphia, and to her niece Mrs. Jane B.
Kirby, of Bridgeton, N. J., each one-tenth
part.
To her nephews Henry S. Lee and Alfred
S. Lee, of Evnnston, Wyoming Territory:
Lorenzo F. Lee, of Eagle Hock, Idaho, and
C. S. Lee, of Philadelphia, each one-twen-
tieth part.
Of the legatees, two have died since the
will whs made, Mrs. Collings and Mrs.
Gilchrist.
If anj of tho legatees objects to any of the
provisions of the will or contest the same,
142
T1IK HISTORICAL HECOHD,
then the legacy to such legatee shall become
null and void.
The will is dated Dec. 23, 1882, and ap-
appoints L. C. Paine and A. H. MeClintock
as executors, Tho signature was witnessed
by Harrison Wright, since dead, and A.. T.
MeClintock.
A Former Wilkes-Barrcan Dead.
Alexander H. Dana, a prominent lawyer
in New York City for many years, died early
Wednesday morning, April 27, of peritonitis,
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. H.
Noyos, at Montc)air, N. J. Mr. Dana was
born in Owego, N. Y„ July 4, 1807. He was
a son of Eleazar Dana, president judge of
that district, who was a brother of Anderson
Dana, Sr., and in early life removed from
Wilkes-Barre to Owego. Deceased wad
graduated from Union Coilege,Schenectady,
when he was 17 years of age. Ho studied
law in New York, and began practice beiore
he was 21. He was first associated with a
Mr. Egan, but afterward became head of the
firm of Dana, Woodruff & Leonard. This
connection existed until 1851, when he took
offices with Clarkson N. Potter. After that
he either practiced by himself or was as oci-
ated with his son, Francis E. For the last
five years he did little work. One of his last
important cases was the controversy had by
the Stewart estate with the Lelands, in which
he was successful. He was a very effective
pleader, possessing a good voice and fluency
of language. He wrote the. law articles for
the first edition of Appleton'sNew Americau
Encyclopedia. He was the author of "Enig-
mas of Life, Death and the Future State/'
and "Ethical and Physiological Inquiries."
His wife died in 1870, and since then he lias
lived alternately with his married daughters
in Montclair and Brooklyn. He leaves two
sons and three daughters. Of tho sons
Francis E. is a lawyer and the Rev. Dr. M.
Dana, a minister at St. Paul. Minn. The
funeral took place from the residence of his
daughter, Mrs. E. A. Street, 288 Hancock
Street, Brooklyn.
Gregory was Named lor Him.
George Gregory, of this township, died
April 8. Ho had been ailing for some
time, although not supposed seriously. But
the culmination of his disease took place un-
expeciedly, and Friday morning he died.
Mr. Gregory was over 67 years of age, and
had always been a resident of Hunlock. By
his own exertions he acquired a goof, prac-
tical education — rather better than the most
of his school fellows— and taught several
terms of common schools. Ho wa*eiectcd in
early life to the then important office of jus-
tice of the peace, in Union Township. Sub-
sequently, he was elected to various other
township offices, all of which he tilled satis-
factorily to those who elected him. Nearly
thirty years ago, he and his brother Benja-
min built the grist mill, at the place now
known as Gregory. He also owned the grist
mill at Ceasetown, in Jackson Township. In
early life he married Miss Frances Roberts,
who survives him. and is now the por-trni--
tress of Gregory postoffice. A large congre-
gation of friends assembled at the funeral
on Sunday at the home-tead. to pay their
last respects to a generous and obliging
neighbor and a useful, memorable man.
A White Haven Contractor Dead.
John VV. Levan died at White Haven
Mouday, May 0, after an illness that con-
fined him to his bed for only three days, at
the age of 58 years. Mr. Levan was up to
the time of his death one of the most exten-
sive coal breaker designer- and builders in
the Lwhigh region. He has been the builder
of breakers for A. Pardee & Co., John Leis-
enring & Co. and Coxe Bros. Lfc Co. for the
past ten years. He had just completed at
the time of his death a very large and mod-
ern designed breaker for the Silver Brook
Coal Co. in Schuylkill County.
Deceased is survived by his wife and sev-
eral adult children. The eldest son, Lafay-
ette, is the general superintendent of the
Oliver Chilled Plow Works iu South Bend,
Ind. Daniel H. has been associated with his
father in breaker building and other con-
tract work. The firm built the several saw
miils of Albert Lewis & Co., the latest being
one at Harvey's L"ke. Of the daughters,
Elizabeth is the wife of Gaius L. Halsey,
Esq.; Alice is the wife of A. W. Fellows; Ab-
bie is the wife of William F. Porter, princi-
pal of the White Haven schools. All the
children except Lafayette reside in White
Haven and he arrived prior to his father's
death.
Mr. Levan occupied a foremost position in
the business intere-t- of White Haven and
was a nrominent and highly re.-pecttd citi-
zen. He took a leading interest in the con-
struction of theinter-coanij bridge, recently
erected by Luzerne and Carbon Counties,
and was one of the partners in the White-
Haven Bronze Burial Casket Co. He was a
member of the town council fur many years.
Mr. Levan was a regular attendaut upon the
services of the Presbyterian Churcn. He
gave detailed directions as to ins funerp.l,
specifying that he be buried under Masonic
auspices in the family plot at Siegfried's
Bridge, Northampton County.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
143
Death of Mrs. Miiiihou,
[Letter to the Kditor. ]
Mrs. Elizabeth Munson, mother of D. A.
Munson, diea at her son's iu Frank-
lin Township. Columbia Co., on Thurs-
day, the 5th inst., after an illness
of nearly six weeks. The deceased
was horn July 7, 1797. Her father, Chris-
tian Atherholt, was one of the first settlers
in the back part of Kingston Township, Lu-
zerne Co., when all was a wilderness, for I
have often heard Mrs. Munson tell about
the hard times when their small crops were
cut off by the frost. Once I remember her
telling that all they had to eat was milk and
roasted apples, also that she had worked a
week for a yard of calico. She used also to
tbll about the wolves howling in packs near
by, and some of them venturing even to
COme on the roof ot their lo<< cabin.
Sue was the second wife of Abel Munson,
his lirst wife being Elizabeth Shaver, by whom
were born seven children, Philip, Charles,
Walter, Mary Ann, Asa, George and Able.
By the second wife, David A. Mrs. Munson
reared five of the step-children to manhood
and womanhood, unprotected by a husband's
hand, for as some of the readers of this piece
will remember, Able Munson was killed Dec.
8, 1830, by the upsetting of his wagon
along the narrows iu Toby's Creek, where it
is supposed ho froze to death, as he was
found with his head out of water. The team
was also dead. The step children now alive
are Philip, now a resident of Michigan:
George of Iowa; Asa of Kingston Township,
Luzerne Co. Mary Ann married George
Atherholt, butdied.leavingachiida week old,
a girl, whom Mrs. Mun-on took, and with her
sou D. A., reared to womanhood, when she be-
came the wife of George Johnson, of Brown's
Corners, Jackson Township. There are
living yet of her sisters, Mary, the wife of
Hiram Harris, Rachel, the w.fe of John
Anderson, and David Atherholt, their only
brother. Those dead were Katy Schooley,
wife of Isaac Schooley: Esther Delay, wife
of Jacob Delay, and Nancy Fazer, wife of
your townsman, John Fazer.
Mrs. Munson lived in Kingston Township
until April 1. 1872, when she, with her son
1>. A., moved to Franklin Township, Colum-
bia Co., where she enjoyed reasonably good
health up to within a Tew weeks of her death.
She was a member of the christian church
for 40 years or more, and a strict attendant
to church duties. She was buried at Mt.
Zion, the funeral being conducted by Rev.
W. S. Hamlin. May her christian-like life
lead the family she left to higher attain-
ments in the spiritual life that thej may
meet her on the other shore. D. A. M.
Franklin Township, May 14, 1887.
Mr«. Clement Hooper Dead.
Rebecca M. Molzger, wife of Clement
Hooper, daughter of Daniel MelzRer and
sister of Charles B. and Miss Linda Motz-
ger, died Sunday, May 15, aged 48 years, 11
months and 3 days, at her homo, 31 Madi-
son Street. Mrs. Hooper died of a compli-
cation of lung and heart troubles, though
her death came suddenly. She was married
to Mr. Hooper in 1809, at the Motzger
homestead, now occupied by Wm. Stoddart,
they removing soon after to Philadelphia,
where her husband was actively engaged as
a contractor. His health breaking down,
they removed to Wilkes- Barre. Deceased
was an active member of Memorial Presby-
terian Church and a worker in the Sunday
School. She was educated at Wyo-
ming Seminary, graduating therefrom in
1854. From that time until her marriage,
15 years later, she taught school, and there
are hundreds of persons in Wilke-i-Barre,
now grown up and married, who received
their first education at her hands. Like her
mother, she was fond of going about doing
good, and was a welcome visitant in the
sick-rooms of such of her acquaintances as
needed her kindly ministrations. She was
one of earth's noblest women, and there
wiil be many an aching heart upou hearing
of her demise. Besides her father and hus-
band, five children are left to sorrow for a
loving and indulgent mother — Cynthia,
William, Carrie, Mary, Juliet. The funeral
took place Tuesday at 4 o'clock. Interment
in the family plot in Holleuback Cemetery.
Death of an Octogenariau.
Mrs. Esther McCarty. of Dallas, whose
husband died several years ago, died on
Maj 22d at 2 pm„ after two or three weeks'
illness, of rheumatism. Mrs. McCarty 8
years ago suffered a fracture of the hip, and
had been unable to walk since. She had
lived half a century in Dallas and was at the
time of her death 88 years of age.
Mrs. McCarty ieaves a large family of
children., all adults: Mrs. James Riley. Mrs.
Enaiiie Johnson, Peter H. McCarty, Wm.
McCarty, Enoch McCarty, Harvey McCarty,
all of Dallas, Mrs. Elizabeth Worden, a
widow, of Harvey's Lake, and Freeman Mc-
Carty. of Wilkes-Barre. The funeral took
place Tuesday at 2 pm. at the Dallas M.
E. Church, with interment in the adjoining
cemetery.
— Mrs. Julia A. Brown, widow of Truman
Brown, of Jackson, Luzerne County, died at
the residence of her sou, Marion Brown, on
Monday, May 2, aged 81 years. She was a
sister of Gordon and Butler Swetland, of
Mehoopany.— Tunkhannock New Age.
141
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
ROUT OF THE SIX NATIONS.
Sullivau's Expedition in 1779— The Jour-
nals of the Officers and Centennial .Pro-
ceedings of 1 S70 About to be Published
by the State of New York.
Maj.-Gen. John Sullivan and the offi-
cers who accompanied him on his expe-
dition against the Six Nations of Indiaus
in 1779 were certainly among the
luckiest ones of the American Revolutionary
war. They were lucky at the time in being
detailed to perform a task in which the
chances were many to one in favor of win-
ning fame at the least exposure to danger,
lucky in the time of year selected for their
expedition, lucky in having been set upon
the Indians at a time when the latter
were poorly prepared to offer resistance,
and lucky in having been given authority to
exterminate as they went along. The opera-
tions of these Indians aud their Tory leaders
in the Mohawk Valley, in Schoharie, at
Cherry Valley and at Wyoming had con-
vinced the American commander that the
most humane solution of the Indian prob-
lem then under consideration was to wipe
out the power if not the persons of those
troublesome New York tribes. The time
selected for striking the blow was in sum-
mer, when the invading army would be
able to destroy the growing as well as the
stored supplies of the enemy, thereby re-
ducing to want whatever number might
survive the sword. The expedition started
from th6 point of rendezvous on the
Susquehanna, in Pennsylvania, in June,
accomplished the object of its mission, and,
returning, arrived at the point of departure
in October. Any one acquainted with the
country which Sullivan's army traversed
would say that a midsummer journey through
it must be a pleasant experience under the
most trying conditions. The march of this
military command was a picnic compared
with the average experience of other sections
of the American Army of the Revolution.
The fame of the expedition would be secured
by the fact of its having made an end of the
power of the Six Nations, but it was pre-
served for a perpetual presence by the liter-
ary zeal and industry of the subordinate
olucers of the command.
The good luck of the expedition followed
it after the war and is still with it. The
many minute and accurate journals fell into
the right hands for their preservation aud
now, after more than a hundred years, the
conditions for their permanent keeping in
book form are singularly propitious, in
1879 centennial celebrations of Sullivan's
march were held at prominent points along
the line, notably at Elmira, where the first
important engagement was had with the In-
dians; at Waterloo, in coinineinoiutiou of the
events in Geneva County; at Geneseo, the ul-
timate point of the march, and at Aurora
on Cayuga Lake, the site of one of the
Indian towns that were destroyed. The
Legislature of 1879 passed an act author-
izing the publication under the direction of
the Secretary of State of the proceedings of
similar celebrations of tho hundredth anni-
versary of the battles of Oriskany and Sara-
toga, and of the founding of the State at
Kingston. In 1881 an item of 85,000 was
put in the Supply Bill to pay for the publi-
cation of the proceedings of the Sullivan
celebrations and the journals kept by the
otlicers of the expedition, but Gov. Cleve-
land vetoed it, not deeming the matter to
be collected and published of sufficient
public importance to justify the expenditure.
In 1885 a special act providing for this pub-
lication was passed and was signed by Gov.
Hill. The Comptroller refused to permit the
work to go on, however, because the amount
to be expendod, 85,000, was not specifically
appropriated. Last year this defect was
remedied by placing the amount in the re-
gular Supply Bill. These records could not
well be published by private enterprise.
However desirable it might be to have them
in accessible aud authentic form, they would
not make a book for popular sale. It was
therefore fortunate for the Sullivan expedi-
tion that the Governor, who was to approve
of the appropriation, was a native and life
resident ef the region through which the
march was made. He had a personal pride
in putting the record in book form. Another
circumstance in favor of having the work of
publishing this record done accurately and
promptly is that it falls upon the present
Deputy Secretary of State, Diedrich \\ illers,
Jr., a resident of Seneca Couuty, and some-
thing of an enthusiast on the history of the
Six Nations.
Mr. Willers is now reading the proofs of
the volume, which is published under con-
tract by Knapp, Feck »fc Thomson, of
Auburn. It will be a book of over 700
pages, printed and bound in popular book
form. The editorial supervision primarily
is in charge of Gen. John S. Clark, of
Auburn, who has enriched the text with
abundant foot-notes which throw much
clear and useful side-light on the narative.
There are 20 distinct journals by Sullivan's
officers. Some of them are for the most part
daily entries, giving the condition of the
troops, the distance marched, the state of
the weather, and the kind of country met
with, while others are remarkably full. It
seems as if the jouraalizers regarded their
enterprise as one that future generations
would be anxious to know all about. Besides
the journals the book will contain accounts
of the centennial celebrations of 1679, steel
portraits of the principal officers, including
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
145
Gen. Sullivan, Gen. James Clinton, who con-
duoted the right wing of the invading army
from tlie Mohawk Yalloy by way of Otsego
Lake and the Susquehanna to "Tioga Point,"
now Athens, Pa.; Col. Philip von Court-
laud, Col. Peter Gansevoort and
others; also a most valuable feature
in the shape of maps of the main
march and the most important of the snb-
expeditions into the country of the Senecas
and Cayugas. These maps are not deduc-
tions from the text of the journals. They
are fac similies of maps made by the geo-
graphers and surveyors of the expedition.
The route of the main march and the diver-
sion through the Cayuga country were
measured by the chain of the surveyor who
accompanied the army, and accurate maps
were made and preserved. Iu reading
these journals and examining the maps
one is surprised to see how the dis-
tances and comments on the conntry,
then a forest save where the Icidiaus
had their corn-fields and their vegetable-
gardens, tally with the more accurate
surveys of recent times. The length, size,
character, and possibilities for navigation
of the lakes from Cayuga westward as far as
Sullivan marched in thi* State are set forth
with an accuracy which left nothing for sub-
sequent exDlorers and pioneers to add.
Throughout the journals the original no-
menclature and orthography have been pre-
served.
Gen. John Sullivan was engaged in the
thickest of the fight for American independ
euce, but his name might not be remember-
ed before some of his compeers if it were not
connected with this last struggle of the Six
Nations for existence. He commanded the
first American force that offered armed re-
sistance to Great Britain. This was iu De-
cember, 1774, near Portsmouth, N. H , the
December before the battle of Lexiugtou.
He whs born in Berwick, Maine, February
17, 1740, and was bred a lawyer. In 1775
he was appointed Brigadier General.
The next year he went to Canada with
a reinforcement, and by reason of his suc-
cesses he was commissioned a Major- Gen-
eral in August, 177B. He did good work in
the battle of Long Island, where he was cap-
tured. Having been exchanged, at Trenton,
in 1770, he was iu command of Gen. Lee's
division. In 1777 he made a raid upon
Stateu Island, commanded the right of the
American forces at Brandywine. gained a
victory over the British at Gerinantown,
but was afterwards repulsed, did some ex
cellent sorvice in Rhode Islaud, and was
next selected by Gem Washington to lead the
famous expedition against the Six Nations.
Throughout that incursion the strictest mil-
itary discipline was enforced. it is proba-
bly true that no peparate command during
the Revolutionary war was handled with the
intelligence and appreciation of tho work in
hand that characterized the rout of tho Six
Nations. When he returned from the In-
dian country. Sullivan resigned his commis-
sion and re-entered Congress, which he had
left iu 1775 to take a command. From 1782
to 1780 he was Attorney General of New
Hampshire, and for the next three years
Governor of the State. His last service was
on the bench as Federal Judge of New
Hampshire, which position be hold from
178(J till his death in 1705.
But for this Sullivan march into the west-
ern country of the Six Nations, New York
State would have no soil west of Oneida and
Oswego Counties, from the lake to the
Pennsylvania border, that was touched by
the Revolutionary war. The left wing of
Burgoyne's army from Oswego was headed
off at Fort Stauwix (Rome* and Ori-dcany,
and its line of march bounded the Revolu-
tionary territory of New York State on the
west, except as to Sullivan's invasion. Tho
country through which the Sullivan army
marched must alwujs be noted for
charming scenery, richness of soil
and the contentment and intelligence
of its people. From Wyoming to the
junction of the Eastern Susquehanna and
the Chemung Rivers the valley is narrow
but fertile. From this junction to Elmira
some of the richest farms of Southern New
YTork are spread out. The route thence to
the head of Seneca Lake is the least attract-
ive of Sullivan's entire march It was on
this portion that the army met their most
disagreeable experiences. The journals of
the officers agree in execrating the Catharine
swamp and the marsh land at the head of
the lako. From where the village of Havana
now stands the army bore to the
right and followed the east shore of
Seneca Lake, rounding the foot of it and
making one of its most noted halts where
Geneva now stands. Thence the line whs
west, past the north end of Canandaigua
Lake on to the Genesee River, near the vil-
lage of Geueseo. This river being consid-
ered the western limit ot the country to be
invaded, the army countermarched intact
till it arrived at the site of Geneva. Thence
three expeditions wnre sent out. one, under
Col. Peter Gansevoort. through the territory
of the Ouondagas, the < meidas and the Mo-
hawks, to Albany as the terminus of the
march; another, under Col William Butler.
to cross *he foot of Cayuga Like and trav
erse its eastern shore: the third, under Col.
Deer born, to proceed to tho west shore of
Cayuga Lake and follow it to the head of" the
lake. Meantime the main army under Sni-
livau continued their return inarch up the
east shore of Seneca Lake over the line ad-
vanced upon. Col. butler and Col. Deer-
146
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
born had orders to follow Cayuga Lake on
either side to its head and thence to proceed
across country and join the main army at or
near Newtown, now Elmira. Col. Butler on
the east side of Cayuga Lake destroyed an
Indian village where Union Springs now is,
another where the pretty village of Aurora
now sits by the lake side, and others on his
way up to the site of the present Ithaca.
There he expected to be joined by
Col. Deerborn, but the two detachments
did not reunite till they joined the main
army on the Chemung'. About two miles
south of Ithaca the last Indian village the
expedition encountered was destroyed. When
the army was reunited, all except Gen. Gan-
sevoort's Mohawk detachment, near New-
town, a jollification was held after which the
march back to Wyoming for further service
was successfully accomplished. The
journals of the ollicers mention a minor ex-
pedition that was sent up the Chemung val-
ley, while the main army was waiting at
Newtown for the Cayuga Lake expedition,
to dislodge any Indians that might be found
as far west as Fainted Post. — H. D. C. in
Neiv York Evening Post, Albany Letter.
The Merediths are Mixed.
A writer in the Honesdale Independent
says the remains of Gen. Samuel Meredith,
whom President Washington appointed
United States Treasurer and whom Thomas
Jefferson complimented for his integrity, lie'
buried at Belmont, Wayne Co., Pa., in a
grave unmarked by any fitting memorial,
and this writer, after lamenting this sad
fact, says:
"You will allow me to say that history informs
rue that Samuel Meredith was horn in Philadel-
phia in 1779, and educated in the University of
Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the Philadel-
phia bar in 1805, to the Wayne County bar in
1810 and to the Luzerne County bar in 1816. He
wae Prothonotary, and liegister and Keeorderof
Wayne County from 1818 to 1821. In 1824 he
opened the first coal mine beiow Carbondale.
lie was a man of energy and tact and died at
Trenton, N. J., in March, i.855.**
Washington was first inaugurated as Presi-
dent in April 1789, when Mr. Meredith, ac-
cording to the above, was onlj 10 years old
and rather young to be treasurer of the
United States. At the beginning of Wash-
ington's second term, Mr. Meredith could
have been only 14, and when Washington
finally retired only IS. When the "Father
of his Country" died, Mr. Meredith could
not have been many months over 20 years
old. The Wayne County antiquarian has
either got his dates wrong or made Mr.
Meredith treasurer at the wrong time. That
worthy lived long enough to have been
treasurer under President Taylor— when
William M. Meredith, of Philadelphia, was
secretary of the Treasury— or even under
President Pierce for two years. — Exchange.
The foregoing from the last issue of the
Milford, Pa,, Gazette, appears to present a
case of very much mixed history. The tau-
glo is straightened out, however, when it is
exDlained that ih.e Wayne Conuty writer has
given Thomas Meredith's history for Samuel
Meredith's, the former having been the son
of the latter. One of Thomas' daughters is
Mrs. Capt. Graham, of this city. Sam-
uel Meredith was treasurer of the
United States under Washington and con-
tributed with Mr. Robert Morris and other
mutual friends the first monies that ever
found their way into the treasury of the
United States. The fact was developed in a
letter written by John Sherman while secre-
tary of the treasury after a careful examina-
tion of the old records of the office. Eis de-
scendants have documentary evidence of the
donation, which, by the way, is said never io
have been repaid either to him or his de-
scendants, c. B. J.
Descendant of a Pioneer Family.
John S. Marcy was born Nov. 1, 1821, in
Marcy Township, and has lived there all his
life, with the exception of 3 years when in
the late war. Mr. Marcy's family consisted
of eight children, four of whom are living.
One is the wife of Charles Marcy, of Marcy
Township, Lackawanna County: another is
the wife of P. M. Conniff, of Wilkes-Barre,
and J. W. Marcy, of Kingston, and M. G.
Marcy, living at home. John Marcy's
grandmother was the wife of Ebenezer
Marcy and daughter of Jonathan and Con-
tent Spencer, of Saybrook, Conn., after-
wards of Fishkill, N= Y. Ebenezer was born
Feb. 11, 1708. He was proprietor of a mill
in Wyoming Valley and was at the fort on
the east side of the river v> hen the massacre
occured on the west side. The boats having
been removed he was unable to be present
at the light. lu the tight Ebenezer Marcy's
wife gave birth to a child on Pocono Moun-
tain, which she named Thankful. Having
subsequently returned to Wyoming Valley
Thankful died at the age of 19.
Almost a Nonagenarian.
[Catawissa News Item.]
Mrs. Elizabeth Munson, mother of D. A.
Munson, died at her son's in Franklin Town-
ship, on Thursday, the 5th inst., after an
illness of nearly six weeks. The deceased
was born Juiy 7, 1797. died May oth, 1887,
aged eighty-nine years, nine months and
twenty-eight days; her father was one of the
lirst settlers in Kingston Township, Luzerne
County, where she lived until in April 1872,
when she, with her son D. A., her only child,
moved to Franklin Township.
THE HISTORICAL RECORD.
147
Old Time Dancing Masters.
[Letter to the Editor. J
J doubt if anything makes a deeper im-
pression on the young than the glory of the
first dancing school. If any exception bo
taken to this assertion, all I can say in re-
turn is, I am speaking for myself.
The first teacher 1 had the honor of perform
iug under was a sedate gentleman by the
name of Tobias, from Lancaster. That city
city had produced some distinguished intii,
but in my view none equal to Mr. Tobias.
He was a man of good presence, good man-
ner, had the use of his heeis, and was a
medium violinist.
I think it was in lSS^), he opened his
school at Morgan's, on the present site of
Mr. Darling's dwelling in Wilkes- Barre and
another at Atherton's hotel in Plymouth.
To get all out of the thing that was in it, I
attended both. It was an ea-y matter, on a
good horse, to ford the river at Plymouth,
pass up through thelnman andLazaius flats,
and thence on to Morgan's. Dark nights or
stormy ones, or even a slight freshet, was
no hindrance to an ambitious jonth of 19,
in search of knowledge. All the >oung dam-
sels of the county seat attended the school.
This probably had some weight; for that
class of young ladies has never been excel-
led.
After this, probably the outcrop of Mr.
Tobins' laborers amongst us, there was the
annual ball on the 22d February at the
Phoenix. To this came the notables of Ber-
wick, Danville, Bloom, Tnnkhannock and
other outlying cities.
Porter, the memorable landlord of the
Phoenix, hf.d what was called a spring floor.
It was over the long dining room and sup-
ported only at the sides of the apartment.
The combined tramp of many feet, in time
with the band, produced a vibratory motion
something like the teeter of a buckboard.
It always seemed a wonder to me, the whole
affair didn't crash down with its live freight.
This short history pertaining to the subject
of the dance, would be deficient without
mention of Messrs. Morton and Jones. They
were the successors of Mr. Tobia*. Their
school, very large and successful, was at the
Dennis Hotel, where is now the National
Bank.
Mr. Morton, from Philadelphia, was a
very polite gentleman, short of build, yellow
haired, florid complexion and frolicsome on
his legs as a young colt. I never look at the
picture of Pickwick in his oratorical attitude,
but it reminds me of Morton. Mr. Jones, per
contra, was a very slim < onu-z gentleman.
Nature must have had a fiddler in view,
when drafting the plans and specifications
of his makeup. He had t